[r-t] Cyclic principles

[Graham John]

Philip wrote;

> Michael Wilby has sent me the following email about cyclic
> principles. He told me that both he and Rod Pipe both feel that
> nobody has really looked at even bell principles, possibly because
> they don't seem to be as good as treble-dominated methods, but
> this type of thing might be an interesting new avenue.

I don't think it is true that nobody has looked at this, but it is true that
there has been little progress. There is a wider issue with even bell
principles, namely that it seems to be more difficult to get good results
than has been the case with hunters.

There are three key requirements people are looking for in a method or
principle:-

1. Good musical properties in the plain course
2. Interesting / elegant / memorable blue line
3. Ability to produce a peal length composition including lots of music

For methods, three out of three of these is frequently achieved. But, for
principles, you get two of three, but all three (or even 2+3) seems
remarkably difficult.  Can anyone suggest an explanation why
treble-dominated methods should yield better results? Is it connected with
the differential effect of having asynchronous cycles of work? 

With regard to cyclic, the wrap principles (see
http://ringing.8bit.co.uk/cyclictable.html) showed great promise, but
progress stalled through lack of good compositions and better lines, so none
have been pealed. 

Graham