From One to Zero: A Universal History of Numbers"Traces the development of numerical systems in Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Babylonian, and Mayan cultures, and examines the origins of the Hindu-Arabic numerals we use today"--Back cover. |
Contents
The Origin and Discovery of Numbers | 3 |
The Principle of the Base | 31 |
The Hand | 55 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
abacus additive principle alphabetic numeration ancient Aramaic archaic arithmetical astronomers Aztecs Babylonian base beginning calculating calendar Chinese numeration circular sign Codex column Copperplate deed corresponding counters counting board cuneiform DAFI decimal drachmas dynasty Eastern Arabs Egyptian Etruscan example expressed finger counting five forefinger four glyph Greek alphabetic hand Hebrew Hebrew alphabetic hieratic hieroglyphic Hindu-Arabic numerals hundreds Indian numerals indicated inscriptions Jewish language large numbers manuscript mathematical mathematicians Mayan Mayas means multiplicative principle nine notches numeral letters numerical notation numerical signs numerical value oldest known oral numeration orders of units origin period Phoenician place-value numeration place-value principle place-value system probably Proto-Elamite quipu reckoning represented rod numerals Roman numerals Sanskrit scribes Semitic sexagesimal shown in figure special sign Sumer Sumerian Susa symbolic number words tablets tally thousands thumb tsade vertical vigesimal wàn whole numbers writing written numeration zero sign