The Earliest Arithmetics in English ebook

The Earliest Arithmetics in English is a fascinating historical compilation that brings together some of the oldest known arithmetic texts written in the English language. Edited by Robert Steele and first published in 1922, this volume presents a collection of medieval and early modern treatises on arithmetic, offering a unique window into the mathematical knowledge and teaching methods of the Middle Ages and Renaissance in England. The book includes translations and transcriptions of several important manuscripts, such as The Crafte of Nombrynge and The Art of Nombryng, which were originally written in Middle English. These texts cover fundamental arithmetic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—as well as practical applications like the calculation of weights, measures, and currency, reflecting the needs of merchants, tradesmen, and scholars of the time. Steele’s meticulous editorial work provides not only the original texts but also insightful introductions and notes that contextualize the manuscripts within the broader history of mathematics. Readers will find detailed explanations of the methods used for calculation before the widespread adoption of Arabic numerals, including the use of counters and the abacus. The book also explores the evolution of mathematical terminology and notation, tracing how these early works influenced later developments in arithmetic education. The Earliest Arithmetics in English is an invaluable resource for historians of mathematics, linguists, and anyone interested in the development of education and commerce in medieval England. It preserves the language, instructional style, and practical concerns of a bygone era, making it both a scholarly reference and a captivating glimpse into the intellectual life of the past.