The article explains this: > For computation, radix R = 3 would be more economical than R = 2 because the “optimal” radix would be R = e = 2.718, according to

The article explains this: > For computation, radix R = 3 would be more economical than R = 2 because the “optimal” radix would be R = e = 2.718, according to a demonstration presented in [1]. Where [1] is "S.L. Hurst, “Multiple-Valued Logic - Its Status and Its Future“, IEEE Trans. on Computers, VOL. C-33, No 12, December 1984." I can't find that one for free anywhere, but there's your lead.