Abstract:
We find in Euclid’s Elements (ca −300) the geometric construction of regular polygons
with 3, 4, 5, 15 sides, from which may be inferred those obtained therefrom by successive
doubling. As usual in Euclid’s geometry, only compass and ruler are admitted for these
constructions. With this restriction, the problem did not witness any progress until Gauss
1796 discovered a few other constructible cases, notably the heptadecagon. This put also,
as it might seem, an end to this question.