The list of famous people seemingly inspired by Smyth goes on and on. Prof Petrie, Prof? Edgar, Prof Mendelssohn...

Even Dr Edwards CBE finished his book 'The Pyramids of Egypt' with a sentence on Piazzi Smyth. Perhaps there was a worrying doubt at the back of his mind that there might be a grain of truth in Piazzi Smyth's theory.

I borrowed a copy of Mendelssohn's book 'The Riddle of the Pyramids' about 7 years ago. An Egyptologist told me that it didn't reflect the views of Egyptologists. I thought the book good enough to buy at £4.00 second hand.

I did not find any amazing theory in the book, but I am not surprised it was a best-seller: a good title, well written, thoroughly researched in Egypt, help from distinguished scholars, thought provoking ideas, clear illustrations, and his own core theory as a distinguished scientist.

Rather cleverly, he stood on the fence with respect to the pi theory, initially stating:
'In spite of brilliant constructional skill and superb workmanship, we have no evidence that the Egyptians of the Old Kingdom had more than the the most rudimentary command of mathematics.'

But then he went on to share an idea (not his idea) that the shape of the Great Pyramid conforms to the pi shape because measurements were set out by rolling a drum. This idea is nicely illustrated, and disarming in its simplicity.

Mendelssohn was seemingly aware of the shift away from Smyth / Petrie on the pi shape of the Great Pyramid, but also understood that the abscence of evidence is not evidence of abscence.

The core theory, or the theory that made a lasting impression on me, was that the pyramid at Meidum collapsed during construction. It was not an amazing mathematical /astronomical theory - my post was in the context of Don Barone's theories.

I accept that if Piazzi Smyth invented such an amazing theory then someone-else could do the same, but it is my contention that nobody ever has. Mendlelssohn referred to a popular book building on Smyth's work as follows:
'This trite nonsense is a far cry from the master's spirited and entertaining writing.'

If there is anything in pyramid numbers then it may be cycles of time, not as Piazzi Smyth's 365.242 etc, but as perceived in ancient Egypt, and as the link between the tomb of the king and his celestial after-life.

I agree with you on OCT.

I don't know what you mean by Rooseveldt Road - I should, perhaps, have looked this up before I started this reply.

Mark