A History of Mathematical Notations

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 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.


About the Author
Mathematics historian Florian Cajori (1859-1930) taught at Tulane University and Colorado College, as well as at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was appointed to a specially created chair in history of mathematics.