Shooter's Hill, Feb 11, 1850.
[Footnote 1: In vol. iii. of the same work is another paper by
the same author, entitled, "Conjectures respecting the Origin of
Alphabetic writing," pp. 365-384. Reference to these papers is
principally made, not on the ground of any assumed merit, but
because _all_ that has been written on any given subject ought,
if possible, to be brought before the minds of those engaged in
the prosecution of the inquiry.]
_Arabic Numerals._--If you think the following {281} title will do for
your correspondent "E.V." (No. 15. p. 230.), please to communicate it to
him:
"Mannert, K., de Numerorum, quos arabicos voc., vera origine
pythagorico; e. Fig. aen. 8vo. Nürnberg, 1801."
Oscar Heun.
Cambridge, Feb. 11. 1850.
_Arabic Numerals_ (No. 15. p. 230.).--Your correspondent should consult
Peacock's "History of Arithmetic" in the _Encyclopædia Metropolitana_;
and, if he can get them, the notes to Chasles' _Aperçu Historique des
Méthodes en Géométric_, and various papers of Mr. Chasles, published in
the _Comptes Rendus_ of the French Institute. He may perhaps find some
information in De Morgan's _Arithmetical Books_, particularly at p. 14.