The writing of numbers

Abstract

Various, sometimes complex, numerical notations are found in a large number of cultures. They allow the graphical representation of numbers. Although distinct from writing and spoken language, they coexist with these two traditions and borrow much from them. Counting marks (for example, drawing sticks) and calculating tools (such as the abacus) are other ways of handling numbers. Rethinking the writing of numbers makes it possible to better understand their origin and their evolution: this article considers it primarily as a semiotic or representational system among others, rather than as a tool in the service of arithmetic operations.