The Hindu-Arabic Numerals

"The Hindu-Arabic Numerals" by David Eugene Smith, is a historical exploration of the number system most people use today. Challenging common misunderstandings, the book traces the journey of these numerals from their true origins in Hindu mathematics through their development and eventual worldwide acceptance. It emphasizes the relatively recent universal use of the system in Europe and the Americas. The author spotlights the contributions of different researchers, particularly in evaluating the evidence for both Hindu and Arabic sources for these numerals, setting the stage for a study into their path from India to Europe, highlighting the intricacies involved in this mathematical story.