Page 8 - J. C. Turner - History and Science of Knots

PREFACE

Knots are more numerous than the
stars; and equally mysterious and
beautiful ... John Turner (1988)

The importance of twines, cords, strings and ropes in the lives of humankind
is immense. All civilizations have depended upon them for their safety, and
for many other activities and uses which have contributed towards their well-
being. These activities range from house, bridge and boat building to weaving
and cloth production; from construction of fishing knots and nets to mainte-
nance of record-keeping systems; from making of articles of apparel to deco-
rative braiding of bags, belts and wall-hangings.
For much of mankind's history, knots and knot lore were closely linked
with magic, medicine and religious beliefs. Knots have even served as bases for
mathematical systems (by the Mayans, for example), before writing skills were
available; and of course, string games and other recreational uses were and are
legion. All of these activities have been practised since time immemorial, in one
form or another, and by all races. They are still practised today, throughout
the world. Furthermore, it is safe to say that they will go on being practised
until the day arrives that humankind no longer exists.
The original intention for this book was that a collection of essays should
be gathered, to form a useful, entertaining and authoritative account of the
history of many of these activities. We drew up a list of topics that might
be included-anything that involved a `crossing of strings' was considered-
and we came to realise that the whole field of knots and knotting applications
simply could not be covered properly in a single book. To do the subject full
justice an encyclopaedia would be needed. We had to be selective.
The Contents page shows the topics that we finally were able to include.
Notable and regrettable omissions from the list are ropemaking and rope tools,
basketry, weaving, knitting, tools for knotting, and uses of knots in magic,
medicine and religion. Much more could have been included, too, on the special
uses of knots made by many of the great civilizations that have flourished in
world history. We were able to include a chapter on Chinese knots; but we are
silent on the knotting practices of the Japanese, the Indians, the Arabs, the
Babylonians, and so on. We knew no authorities on knots of these races.

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