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Ever wonder why we draw numbers the way we do?

Updated Jan 26, 2024

“Numbers have life; they’re not just symbols on paper.” -- Shakuntala Devi

This art book imagines a discrete meaning behind the shapes of base 10 numerals.

Numbers are a conceptual tool used for measuring, while the symbols used to represent numbers are called numerals. And with that rather brief introduction, let's say hello to the visual representatives of an esteemed assembly of very wise beings.

I know, I know. just about everyone will tell you, these signs are not special. They're merely a set of arbitrary squiggles used to measure the physical world, or to indicate a specific quantity, or to show an amount value in dollars and cents.

But what if these doodles are something more? What if they're nimble cryptograms pointing the way to the most ambrosial thing in all of the universe, namely scent.

Sounds funny doesn't it? On one hand, neat scribbles to show quantity, on the other hand, show memes hinting at the most precious things known to living creatures; a conscious, conscience arrayed with sentience.

Introducing Base 10, here to remind you of a register of astounding god given holes bearing scent, the stuff of being. They are the epitome of unity. A perfect match of inborn creative faculties every spirit is blessed with upon assuming a soul in the physical form.

Hello Wise Ones!

In other words, this fundemental pillar of arithmetic; these unsung heroes of measure, most people would describe as handy stick figures and not much more. These world famous jots, which no one admires but uses everday, may well be symbols for the crypts.

What are the crypts you ask? Crypts are dwelling places for canny beings, valuable beyond measure.

Some of them are brilliantly receptive to inherent qualities of the physical universe.

A couple of them are state-of-the-art onboard increasers designed for the express purpose of engendering the whole kit and caboodle all the way to eternity.

In coordination with flesh, blood and brains, they reign over urges; capture sound, light, motion, smell, taste and touch. Instantly assembling all into a symphony of feelings, desires and thoughts. In turn, creating the experience best described as one united, indivisible stream of conscious being.

Truth be told, every cemetary is a testament to the ephemeral nature of flesh and blood, conscious, aware beings. As the saying goes, no one is here for a long time, each one is here for a good time.

The Lineage

Hindu-Arabic numerals are a direct graphic descendants of Brahmi Numerals in use during the 3rd century BC. However, this system did not use a decimal system with a zero.

Around this time, Indian scholars developed a place-value system which included a dot in place of zero. Even though its date of origin is disputed, the Bakshali manuscript may well be one of the oldest recorded example of a numeral system containing a sign for nothing, which was a dot called shunya-sthāna meaning "empty-place". <<< The etymology of the English word Empty might surprise you.

In 825 the Persian scholar Muhammad al-Khwarizmi promoted the system in this treatise titled, On the Calculation with Hindu Numerals. Originally written in Arabic, the treatise survives only as a 12th century Latin translation. By the 11th century the system was in wide across Asia, eventually split into two system of glyphs.

In 976, the numerals with the exception of the glyph for zero made their appearance in a manuscript titled Codex Vigilanus, a compilation of various historical accounts put together by three Spanish monks. Then in 1202, Leonardo Fibonacci promoted the numerals in his book Liber Abaci.

And just a few centuries later, the German Renaissance artist and mathematician named Albrecht Durer provided a modified rendition, which is still in use today. This rendering shall be our launching point.

Continue Below.

Continued from Above.

What if Empty doesn't mean what you think it means?

Etymology of the word Empty

Like most people, I thought the word Empty means "nothing", as in, the barrel is empty because it has no-thing in it. I could even add a few more like "null and void".

As they say, "the devil is in the details. Here's a screen shot from a readily available online etymology dictionary. Let's go through it bit by bit.

More Coming Soon!