A History of Mathematical Notations

Florian Cajori
Dover Publications
 9780486677668
0-486-67766-4

This classic study notes the first appearance of a mathematical symbol and its origin, the competition it encountered, its spread among writers in different countries, its rise to popularity, its eventual.

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decline or ultimate survival. The author's coverage of obsolete notations -- and what we can learn from them -- is as comprehensive as those which have survived and still enjoy favor. Originally published in 1929 in a two-volume edition, this monumental work is presented here in one volume.