A labyrinth is a system of inter-connected passages in the earth with
access points at the surface. (Others use different terminology.) It is
therefore in mathematical terms the complement of a handle-body. The
associated puzzle is, as with a maze, which is two-dimensional, to find
a way to a defined goal and out again. Since the goal can be anyware to
be sure of finding it we have to have a method which takes us to every
point.
As with a maze the possibility of path-repetition has to be
excluded or the search could go on for ever. Close off every access
except one with a set of points homeomorphic to a disc, that is, a
door. This together with what follows corresponds to the method we
adopted from Cauchy for mazes. Tremeaux's method of determing a path,
formulated for a maze, can now be applied. We use it in a slightly
adapted form. Take a tape-measure (which is better than a cord because
of its orientation) into the labyrinth leaving the two ends at the
entrance. Take a loop into every passage up to every dead-end or door.
Stop also on coming to a passage where the tape has already been put
and there is no other clear passage joining at that junction and free
to use. Do this till all passages are covered. Then an explorer
following the tape round from the entrance and back to it will
visit every point of the labyrinth.