The origins of number is a most interesting subject.
Ed Wall, Julio and others, including myself, have
discussed several points that were intended to clarify
certain historical foundations.
There have been two HM posts that have cited my question
to Julio concerning the role of the history of mathematics
in this 'debate'. I am indeed apologetic for questioning
Julio's method of prodding Ed to define a historical
context to Ed's original post.
Julio has mentioned Book of Numbers as one good resource
to begin such a review of number and the past. I agree,
Conway and Guy have opened many interesting and important
doors to the past. However, I would add several other
historical threads to open the door slightly wider, as I
have outlined here on HM.
Of course, there are other books, like "The origins of the number
concept", by Charles J. Brainerd, Praeger Press, 1979, that opens
this door to the past, and our minds, in a different manner than
has been suggested here on HM. Does anyone else also consider
Brainerd's book to be worthy of consideration to throw additional
light on this 'debate'?
Regards to all,
Milo Gardner
Sacramento, Calif.