On Steiner and Similar Triple Systems. (Q5581647)

Given a finite set \(S\), a Steiner triple system over \(S\) is a system of triples of elements of \(S\) such that each pair of distinct elements is contained in just one triple. By extending a method of Skolem the author gives a simple direct construction in all cases. In one case the construction involves providing a solution to a conjecture of Skolem that if \(n\equiv 2\) or \(3\pmod 4\) the numbers \(1,2,\ldots,2n-1, 2n+1\) can be placed in \(n\) disjoint pairs \((a_1,b_1),\ldots,(a_n,b_n)\) such that \(b_r = a_r + r\) for \(r=1,\ldots,n\). Furthermore, simple direct constructions are given both for a minimal system of triples such that each pair of distinct elements occurs in at least one triple and for a maximal system of triples such that no pair of distinct elements is contained in more than one triple.