Lichtenberg ratio
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In paper sizes, the Lichtenberg ratio is the aspect ratio of 1:√2. The term was proposed by Markus Kuhn.[1][2]
This aspect ratio has the unique property that cutting any rectangular sheet of paper formed with the Lichtenberg ratio into two equal halves parallel to its shortest sides produces two smaller sheet of the same aspect ratio.
History
Writing paper in the ratio 1:√2, such that cutting it in half would preserve its proportions, was noted in 1786 by the German scientist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (in a letter to Johann Beckmann).
Usage
Early in the twentieth century, Dr Walter Porstmann noted the value of Lichtenberg's idea as a basis for a system of different paper sizes,[citation needed] which was first introduced as a DIN standard (DIN 476) in Germany in 1922.
This has subsequently become the basis for the ISO 216 "A" series paper sizes.
References
- ^ Brian Forte (3 September 2002). "A4 vs US Letter". Between Borders.
- ^ http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~mgk25/iso-paper.html
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