On 2007-12-28 Raymond Tay, singapore wrote: The author took me for a trip down ´memory lane´ of like 2,000 years on how people have used mathematics, in this instance - number theory, throughout the ages from the European to the Hindu civilizations. The book also examines the different methods developed by different cultures to achieve the same goal, that is to be able to count stuff and its derivatives.
I think this book is what is missing in our education system w.r.t math i.e. a historical understanding of the evolution of modern-day math; since most of us learn mathematics by rote and i dare say none of us wonder how did the math as we knew today came?. And summed up by saying Interesting account. Currently Numbers: Their History and Meaning has an overall rating of 8 over 10.
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Dover Publications claimed Extremely readable, jargon-free book for general readers traces the evolution of counting systems--from the primitive techniques of antiquity to computers. Text examines the earliest endeavors to count and record numbers, initial attempts to solve problems by using equations, and origins of infinite cardinal arithmetic. ´The success of Flegg´s lively exposition and the care he gives to his surprisingly exciting topic recommend this book to every library.´--Choice.
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