Smyth had a theory about pyramid degrees which he based on the number of layers. Unfortunately he was using "Pyramid Inches" and an incorrect number of layers so his claims are rather confused. Here's a typical passage: "the intersection-point on the floor of the subterranean chamber, may be computed, and found =75°15'1" of ordinary Greek-Alexandrine degrees; and these, reduced to Pyramid degrees, are =209.03°... ...for the number of masonry courses in the whole pyramid, they will be found to be stated as 210 plus or minus 2 or 3: including in fact the very number computed and forming as good a numerical proof of the quadrant having been intended to be divided into 250 degrees." (Life and Work at the Great Pyramid, Vol.III p.209)

The next person to take up the idea is something of a surprise as it was Petrie. Writing in the snappily titled "Preliminary Notice of some Facts (heretofore unperceived) which will be shown to aggegrate into certain Cosmic and Metric Systems in the Great Pyramid when taken in connection with other facts to be subsequently considered." 1874. Petrie followed Smyth's idea to propose a system of 1000° "Pyramid Degrees". He writes: "Following this clue given by Professor Smyth, we find that in the angle of arris, there is a similar instance (though not quite so simple) of 9 courses for every 5° which would imply 209.9862, or evenly 210 courses... ... Having thus seen the degrees represented by the courses, we may also consider the number of degrees and their equivalents in measure..." He goes on to highlight examples of this "connection" between Pyramid degrees and layer numbers.

Less than ten years later Petrie had visited Giza and done his famous survey. He very soon found that Smyth had made a mistake and discovered in his famous phrase "the ugly little fact which killed the beautiful theory". The "Pyramid inch" was disproved and he makes no more mention of "Pyramid degrees".

Jon

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