Euclid, Elements
Thomas L. Heath, Sir Thomas Little Heath, Ed.

Therefore, if there be applied to AG a parallelogram equal to the fourth part of the square on DG and deficient by a square figure, it will divide it into incommensurable parts. [X. 18]

Let then DG be bisected at the point E, let there be applied to AG a parallelogram equal to the square on EG and deficient by a square figure, and let it be the rectangle AF, FG; therefore AF is incommensurable in length with FG.

Now, since AG is incommensurable in length with CA, and both are rational, therefore AK is medial. [X. 21]

Again, since DG is rational and commensurable in length with AC, DK is rational. [X. 19]

Now let the square LM be constructed equal to AI, and let the square NO equal to FK and about the same angle, the angle LPM, be subtracted; therefore the squares LM, NO are about the same diameter. [VI. 26]

Let PR be their diameter, and let the figure be drawn.

Similarly then we can prove that LN is the “side” of the area AB.

I say that LN is the straight line which produces with a rational area a medial whole.

For, since AK was proved medial and is equal to the squares on LP, PN, therefore the sum of the squares on LP, PN is medial.

Again, since DK is rational and is equal to twice the rectangle LP, PN, the latter is itself also rational.

And, since AI is incommensurable with FK, therefore the square on LP is also incommensurable with the square on PN; therefore LP, PN are straight lines incommensurable in