Going large

Solution and notes

Some solutions in this crossword refer to technology in ancient Egypt, programming languages and diagrams. Others look at the way the relative proportions of structures vary with their size, and how the stability of structures can be explored using the principle of moments and by considering the stress involved in supporting them. Finally, the mechanisms by which water is drawn up to the tops of tall trees are explored. Surface tension can explain the process

Figure 1 Atypical mastaba shape, with entrance

Imhotep, Apex and Tri- (23 Across, 28 Down and 18 Down)

Imhotep was a real person from ancient Egypt and has the distinction of being the first scientist we can put a name to. (His name means ‘he who cometh in peace’.) Although there are some who doubt all the achievements that legend has embellished him with over the years, he was chief minister (vizier), priest, architect, astrologer, scribe, all-round sage and doctor to Djoser, first king of the Third Dynasty in ancient Egypt (c. 2686–2613 BCE).