[HM] Notation for division

Jeff Miller (JeffM@sanctum.com)
Thu, 13 May 1999 22:12:23 -0400

Does anyone know the origin of the division "symbol" consisting of a
close-parenthesis attached to a vinculum? I have some web pages on the
history of mathematical notation and I had up till now indicated that Stifel
used this notation in Arithmetica integra. But I have come to have doubts
about the reliability of the source for this since I see that Cajori and the
Dictionary of Scientific Biography both say that Stifel wrote 8)24, without
the vinculum. Cajori, by the way, calls the parenthesis a lunar sign. He
does not mention the symbol I am looking for.

Incidentally I added today two more stamps to the "mathematicians on postage
stamps" web page, a French stamp of Newton and a DDR stamp showing a
painting of Archimedes.

Thank you!
Jeff Miller
math stamps: http://members.tripod.com/jeff560/index.html