This exploration of how people came to appreciate numbers traces the ways in which early humans gradually evolved methods for recording numerical data and performing simple calculations. Its profiles of ancient systems of recording numbers include Egyptian, Maya and Aztec, Chinese, Greek, and the techniques of other cultures. 1974 edition.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
Numbers: Their History and Meaning by Graham Flegg Readable, jargon-free book examines the earliest endeavors to count and record numbers, initial attempts to solve problems by using equations, and origins of infinite cardinal arithmetic. "Surprisingly exciting." — Choice.
Number Words and Number Symbols: A Cultural History of Numbers by Karl Menninger Classic study discusses number sequence and number language, then explores written numerals and computations in a wide range of cultures. ". . . superior narrative ability." — Library Journal. 282 illus.
Number Theory and Its History by Oystein Ore Unusually clear, accessible introduction covers counting, properties of numbers, prime numbers, Aliquot parts, Diophantine problems, congruences, much more. Bibliography.
