We describe two simple cellular automata (CA) models which exhibit the essential attributes of soliton systems. The first one is an invertible, 2-state, 1dimensional CA or, in other words, a nonlinear Z 2 -valued dynamical system with discrete space and time. Against a vacuum state of 0, the system exhibits light cone particles in both spatial directions, which interact in a soliton-like fashion. A complete solution of this system is obtained. We also consider another CA, which is described by the Hirota equation over a finite field, and present a Lax representation for it.

We attach the degenerate signature (n, 0, 1) to the projectivized dual Grassmann algebra P( R (n+1) * ) to obtain the Clifford algebra P(R * n,0,1 ) and explore its use as a model for euclidean geometry. We avoid problems with the degenerate metric by constructing an algebra isomorphism J between the Grassmann algebra and its dual that yields non-metric meet and join operators. We focus on the cases of n = 2 and n = 3 in detail, enumerating the geometric products between k-and l-blades. We establish that sandwich operators of the form X → gX g provide all euclidean isometries, both direct and indirect. We locate the spin group, a double cover of the direct euclidean group, inside the even subalgebra of the Clifford algebra, and provide a simple algorithm for calculating the logarithm of such elements. We conclude with an elementary account of euclidean rigid body motion within this framework.

Abstract. The discussion of how to apply geometric algebra to euclidean n-space has been clouded by a number of conceptual misunderstandings which we first identify and resolve, based on a thorough review of crucial but largely forgotten themes from 19 th century mathematics. We then introduce the dual projectivized Clifford algebra P(R * n,0,1 ) (euclidean PGA) as the most promising homogeneous (1-up) candidate for euclidean geometry. We compare euclidean PGA and the popular 2-up model CGA (conformal geometric algebra), restricting attention to flat geometric primitives, and show that on this domain they exhibit the same formal feature set. We thereby establish that euclidean PGA is the smallest structure-preserving euclidean GA. We compare the two algebras in more detail, with respect to a number of practical criteria, including implementation of kinematics and rigid body mechanics. We then extend the comparison to include euclidean sphere primitives. We conclude that euclidean PGA provides a natural transition, both scientifically and pedagogically, between vector space models and the more complex and powerful CGA.

Abstract. The article presents a new approach to euclidean plane geometry based on projective geometric algebra (PGA). It is designed for anyone with an interest in plane geometry, or who wishes to familiarize themselves with PGA. After a brief review of PGA, the article focuses on P(R * 2,0,1 ), the PGA for euclidean plane geometry. It first explores the geometric product involving pairs and triples of basic elements (points and lines), establishing a wealth of fundamental metric and non-metric properties. It then applies the algebra to a variety of familiar topics in plane euclidean geometry and shows that it compares favorably with other approaches in regard to completeness, compactness, practicality, and elegance. The seamless integration of euclidean and ideal (or "infinite") elements forms an essential and novel feature of the treatment. Numerous figures accompany the text. For readers with the requisite mathematical background, a self-contained coordinate-free introduction to the algebra is provided in an appendix.

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