Method ringing (also known as scientific ringing) is a form of change ringing (the practice of ringing a series of mathematical permutations on tuned bells, rather than a melody). In method ringing, the ringers are guided from permutation to permutation by following a specific algorithm, called a method. Where the treble bell follows exactly the same pattern as the other bells it is called a principle. The underlying mathematical basis is intimately linked to group theory.
The practice originated in England and remains most popular there today; in addition to bells in church towers, it is also often performed on handbells.
Read more about Method Ringing: Introduction, Method Names
Famous quotes containing the words method and/or ringing:
“The insidiousness of science lies in its claim to be not a subject, but a method. You could ignore a subject; no subject is all-inclusive. But a method can plausibly be applied to anything within the field of consciousness.”
—Katharine Fullerton Gerould (1879–1944)
“As soon as I suspect a fine effect is being achieved by accident I lose interest. I am not interested ... in unskilled labor.... The scientific actor is an even worker. Any one may achieve on some rare occasion an outburst of genuine feeling, a gesture of imperishable beauty, a ringing accent of truth; but your scientific actor knows how he did it. He can repeat it again and again and again. He can be depended on.”
—Minnie Maddern Fiske (1865–1932)