Page 1 of 1
I'm looking for a specific book on math (solved)
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 8:45 pm
by McNutt
About 20 years ago I was at a Barnes and Noble and picked up a very large book that detailed the history of math. I remember it discussing how some primitive civilizations only had four numbers: one, two, more than two and lots more than two. It talked about base 7 being used and how zero was first used.
I'd really like to get this book now, but I can't find it and don't know what it was called. I've seen The History of Mathematics online and I don't think that's it.
Does this ring any bells with any of you?
Re: I'm looking for a specific book on math
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 9:18 pm
by Sudy
This is the kind of question I find ChatGPT useful for. Yes, it often fails spectacularly, but it often provides a better starting point than simple googling.
Here were its suggestions... the final one may be the one you already mentioned as not being a match:
1. The Universal History of Numbers – Georges Ifrah
Pages: 658 (English edition, 1998)
Summary: A comprehensive exploration of how numbers and counting systems evolved across different cultures. Covers primitive counting methods, base systems (including base-7), and the invention of zero.
2. Number Words and Number Symbols – Karl Menninger
Pages: 480 (English edition, 1969)
Summary: Examines the linguistic and cultural history of numbers, including how early civilizations conceptualized and expressed numerical values.
3. A History of Mathematics: An Introduction – Victor J. Katz
Pages: 992 (3rd edition, 2008)
Summary: A broad historical overview of mathematical developments from ancient times to the modern era, including numeral systems and the role of zero.
Re: I'm looking for a specific book on math
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 9:28 pm
by McNutt
I found it! It's called A History of Mathematics by Merzbach and Boyer.
There were too many books with similar titles.
Thanks!
Re: I'm looking for a specific book on math (solved)
Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 10:38 pm
by Isgrimnur
Foreword by Isaac Asimov
Added to cart
Re: I'm looking for a specific book on math (solved)
Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2025 2:17 pm
by Alefroth
Isgrimnur wrote: Thu Mar 13, 2025 10:38 pm
Foreword by Isaac Asimov
Added to cart
Then you might like Asimov on Numbers.