Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Mathematics

    Attributes the origin of chess to a Brahmin, Sissa, who designed it to teach an arrogant Indian prince the dependence of kings on their subjects. Relates that, when offered his choice of reward, the Brahmin suggested a rate of recompense which exploited the surprising rate of exponential increase to produce a fortune, using the subterfuge to demonstrate the importance of being on guard.