Cultural History of Mazes

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Mazes have an iconic place in the world of early computers and, of course, a much longer place in cultures around the world. They are heavily charged symbols that appear to call the viewer into entering their pathways either physically or visually.
Mazes have an iconic place in the world of early computers and, of course, a much longer place in cultures around the world. They are heavily charged symbols that appear to call the viewer into entering their pathways either physically or visually.
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'''What is a Maze?'''
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One objection to calling the output a maze is the lack of a solution or single correct path through this visual pattern. However, the OED lists two related senses, the first of which requires that there is *exactly* one correct path, the second of which has no such requirement. Consider the following definitions:
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II. A labyrinth, and related senses.
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4. a. A structure designed as a puzzle, consisting of a complicated network of winding and interconnecting paths or passages, only one of which is the correct route through; a labyrinth; (occas. in pl.) the windings of a labyrinth. Also (as in quot. 1903): a structure comprising two points joined by a single winding line much greater in length than the direct line between the two points.
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b. In extended use: a complex network of paths or streets; a bewildering mass of things (material or immaterial), in which the individual components are difficult to separate or make out.
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In the 16th and 17th centuries often in to tread a maze, perh. with
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allusion to sense
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There are quotations for the second of these senses from 1531 to 1994,
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including:
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<blockquote>
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1542 H. BRINKELOW Lamentacion sig. Cviii, Leadyng them in an endlesse
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Maze of dyrtye tradicyons and folish ceremonyes.
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</blockquote>
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So, there is an early occurrence of a maze which presumably (being endless) has no correct path through it ... and furthermore, it is endless.
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The relevant definition from the 1913 Webster's Revised Unabridged
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Dictionary is:
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<blockquote>
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A confusing and baffling network, as of paths or passages; an intricacy; a labyrinth. Quaint mazes on the wanton green." Shak.
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Or down the tempting maze of Shawford brook. Wordaworth.
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The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate, Puzzled with mazes, and
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perplexed with error. Addison.
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Syn. -- Labyrinth; intricacy. See Labyrinth.
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Again, nothing there requires that the maze have a solution.
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</blockquote>
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Certainly all of the definitions of maze attend the perception of this particular program, but these definitions demonstrate clearly that the output does qualify as a maze. As a maze-generator, 10-Print falls under the shroud of the myths of mazes and labyrinths.
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Revision as of 23:05, 24 July 2010

View this revision of Cultural History of Mazes.

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