Classical Mechanics Project #2

Classical Mechanics Project #2

by Kyongok Kang
October 21, 1997

On page 30 of Goldstein's text, he mentions the famous "Cambridge Tripos" exams and alleges that they were characterized by very pedantic problems. What are/were these exams, and where does the name "Tripos" come from? Identify an especially pedantic problem.

There are several relevant meanings of the word TRIPOS

A Bachelor of Arts at Cambridge University, England, formerly appointed to dispute "humorously" or "satirically" at commencement with candidates for degrees. During the disputation, this individual normally sat on a three-legged stool (or "TRIPOD").
- The tripos verses were a set of humorous verses originally composed by this official, but following the abolition of his office, published independently at each commencement until 1894.
- Tripos might also refer to the list of successful candidates for honors printed on the back of the paper containing tripos verses.
The final examination instituted in the first half of the 18th century for honors in mathematical science at Cambridge.
- The final honors examination in classics to which formerly only those were admitted who had previously obtained honors in mathematics.
- A final honors examination at Cambridge in a subject other than mathematics and classics, e.g., theology.
An honors course or school at Cambridge.

Reference: Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged.

Classic example of pedantic problem from Tripos exam of 1889.