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On the Origins of Zero

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Studies in the History of Indian Mathematics

Part of the book series: Culture and History of Mathematics ((CHMATH))

Abstract

IT IS WIDELY believed that zero originated in Indic Civilization but the evidence in support of that belief is not only meager; it is almost zero. No place or time, let alone the name of a discoverer or inventor, has ever been suggested. How can we handle such a problem? We must start from the beginning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of California at Berkeley, 67 Moo 1, Ban Pong, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50230

    Frits Staal (Professor Emeritus)

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  1. Frits Staal
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  1. Chennai Mathematical Institute, India

    C. S. Seshadri (Director) (Director)

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Staal, F. (2010). On the Origins of Zero. In: Seshadri, C.S. (eds) Studies in the History of Indian Mathematics. Culture and History of Mathematics. Hindustan Book Agency, Gurgaon. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-93-86279-49-1_4

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