Enlightening Symbols

“[A] fascinating narrative. . . . This is a nuanced, intelligently framed chronicle . . . In a word: enlightening.” —George Szpiro, Nature

While all of us regularly use basic math symbols such as those for plus, minus, and equals, few of us know that many of these symbols weren't available before the sixteenth century. What did mathematicians rely on for their work before then? And how did mathematical notations evolve into what we know today?

In Enlightening Symbols, popular math writer Joseph Mazur explains the fascinating history behind the development of our mathematical notation system.

Traversing mathematical history and the foundations of numerals in different cultures, Mazur looks at how historians have disagreed over the origins of the numerical system for the past two centuries. He follows the transfigurations of algebra from a rhetorical style to a symbolic one, demonstrating that most algebra before the sixteenth century was written in prose or in verse employing the written names of numerals. Mazur also investigates the subconscious and psychological effects that mathematical symbols have had on mathematical thought, moods, meaning, communication, and comprehension. He considers how these symbols influence us, how they lead to new ideas by subconscious associations, how they make connections between experience and the unknown, and how they contribute to the communication of basic mathematics

From words to abbreviations to symbols, this entertaining history shows how math evolved to the familiar forms we use today.

“An enjoyable read.” —Science

“If you enjoy reading about history, languages and science, then you'll enjoy this book. . . . you don't have to be a mathematician to enjoy this informative book.” —Guardian.com's, GrrlScientist

“Fascinating.” —Publishers Weekly