The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention of the Computer"Georges Ifrah is the man. This book, quite simply, rules. . . . It is outstanding . . . a mind-boggling and enriching experience." –The Guardian (London) "Monumental. . . . a fascinating journey taking us through many different cultures."–The Times (London)"Ifrah’s book amazes and fascinates by the scope of its scholarship. It is nothing less than the history of the human race told through figures." –International Herald Tribune Now in paperback, here is Georges Ifrah’s landmark international bestseller–the first complete, universal study of the invention and evolution of numbers the world over. A riveting history of counting and calculating, from the time of the cave dwellers to the twentieth century, this fascinating volume brings numbers to thrilling life, explaining their development in human terms, the intriguing situations that made them necessary, and the brilliant achievements in human thought that they made possible. It takes us through the numbers story from Europe to China, via ancient Greece and Rome, Mesopotamia, Latin America, India, and the Arabic countries. Exploring the many ways civilizations developed and changed their mathematical systems, Ifrah imparts a unique insight into the nature of human thought–and into how our understanding of numbers and the ways they shape our lives have changed and grown over thousands of years. "Dazzling."–Kirkus Reviews "Sure to transfix readers."–PublishersWeekly |
Contents
Explaining the Origins Ethnological and Psychological Approaches to the Sources of Numbers | 3 |
Base Numbers and the Birth of Numbersystems | 23 |
The Earliest Calculating Machine The Hand | 47 |
Copyright | |
27 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention of the ... Georges Ifrah No preview available - 2000 |
The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention ..., Volume 1 Georges Ifrah No preview available - 1999 |
Common terms and phrases
abacus according al-Biruni ancient Arabic arithmetic Aryabhata astronomers Babylonian base Brahmagupta Brahman Brâhmî numerals calculation calendar century BCE Chinese civilisation column Common Era concept corresponding counting cuneiform Datta and Singh decimal divine Egyptian example expressed figures finger four Greek Hebrew hieroglyphic High numbers Hindu hundred Indian astronomy Indian mathematics Indian numerals Indian written numeral Infinity inscriptions invented Islamic Kushâna language letters literally mathematical mathematician Maya Mesopotamia method millennium BCE modern Mount Meru multiplicand multiply Nâgarî Name given Names of numbers notch number-system numbers and High numeral systems Classification numerical notation numerical symbols numerical value Ordinary Sanskrit name origin Pallava Paris place-value system position principle proto-Elamite representation represented Roman S].Value scribes script Semitic serpent Serpent Symbolism seven sexagesimal Shaka Shunga shûnya signs Sumerian tablet tally stick texts thousand units vigesimal words writing written numeral systems Yuga zero