Volume Containing a Solid Foot

Puzzle

Mathematicians affirm that of all bodies contained under the same superficies, a sphere is the most capacious;
but they have never considered the amazing capaciousness of a body,
the name of which is now required,
of which it may be truly affirmed that supposing:
its greatest length $9$ inches,
greatest breadth $4$ inches,
and greatest depth $3$ inches,
yet under these dimensions it contains a solid foot.


Solution

A shoe.


Sources

  • 1821: John Jackson: Rational Amusement for Winter Evenings
  • 1992: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): Rational Amusements for Winter Evenings: $155$
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