> My wife, who is working with some sixth graders, asked me about the history
> of scientific notation. So far, I have not found any mention of the topic
> in the standard history of math books-it's not in the index in those I have
> tried. Encyclopedia Britannica on line, as well as a host of other
> references, have come up blank. I would appreciate any help that can be
> found on this topic.
try Cajori F A history of mathematical notations (Chicago: Open Court
1974, 2 vols, reprint of 1928-29 ed. I got this ref from Boyer&Merzbach)
John Harper, School of Mathematical and Computing Sciences,
Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
e-mail john.harper@vuw.ac.nz phone (+64)(4)471 5341 fax (+64)(4)495 5045