Long before: Sphinx and Le Facteur X
Published in Brussels by Belgian mathematician Maurice Kraitchik, Sphinx described itself as a "monthly magazine of recreational problems" and offered its readers puzzles and problems in logic and mathematics. It was published from April 1931 to 1939.
Issue 0 of Le Facteur X, a "magazine of entertaining and educational science" (Éditions du Levier), appeared in October 1953. The last, issue 99, was dated June/July 1964. Printed by Blanchard, this monthly aimed to cover curious and entertaining problems in every field and provide detailed solutions accessible to all secondary and technical education students. It featured accounts of the history of science, scientists and ideas, as well as engaging curiosities drawn from science, the arts and technology, sports, games and linguistics… all illustrated with a light touch.
