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The origin of zero

Author:      anne b huffer
Can you tell me anything about the origin of the use of zero as a place
holder and indicator of a null quantity?  I know about the Hindu use of 9
symbols and the Indian use of ' as a place holder.  My primary source has
been Boyer.  Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      jlu
Bell, The Development of Mathematics, suggests that zero was independently
developed by the Hindus, Babylonians and Maya.  
     The best source I know of is Morris Kline, Mathematical Thought from
Ancient to Modern Times (Oxford, 1972; paperback).  He reports that zero
symbols are found in Alexandrian Greek documents.

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