Hindu-Arabic Numerals

Book Details
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications
• Author: Smith, D. E. & Karpinski, L. C.
• ISBN: 9788130712062
• Binding: Hardbound
• Pages: 126 pp
• Year of Publishing: 2012

Description:
This important work by D. E. Smith and L. C. Karpinski explores the fascinating history and evolution of the numeral system commonly—but inaccurately—called "Arabic numerals."

• The book highlights the remarkable fact that the general use of these numerals in Europe and the Americas only became widespread within the last four centuries, despite their enormous advantages in commerce and everyday life.
• It examines the surprising resistance these numerals faced, struggling for nearly a thousand years after the development of the place value system before fully replacing earlier systems like Roman numerals.
• The authors compile and synthesize fragmentary historical narratives, aiming to present a clear, concise history of the numerals' origin, spread, and acceptance across different civilizations.
• Special emphasis is placed on the contributions of scholars from around the world who have studied this transition and its cultural significance.
• This book serves as a compact but thorough resource for mathematicians, students of civilization, and anyone interested in the evolution of numerical systems.