Plural of alligation; multiple problems or calculations involving the mixing of substances to reach specific proportions or averages.
Plural form of 'alligation.' The technique included different types of problems called 'alligation medial' (finding average value) and 'alligation alternate' (determining mixture ratios).
Medieval math textbooks would have entire chapters on alligations—pharmacists needed them to blend medicines, dyers needed them for colors, and merchants needed them for profit, making it surprisingly practical math!
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