The Hindu-Arabic Numerals c12.42

c12.42

Sacrobosco’s work is of interest also because it was probably due to the extended use of this work that the term *Arabic numerals* became common. In two places there is mention of the inventors of this system. In the introduction it is stated that this science of reckoning was due to a philosopher named Algus, whence the name *algorismus*,¹ and in the section on numeration reference is made to the Arabs as the inventors of this science.² While some of the commentators, Petrus de Dacia³ among them, knew of the Hindu origin, most of them undoubtedly took the text as it stood; and so the Arabs were credited with the invention of the system.