Amit's Blog

The Alchemy of Numbers: How Zero, Decimals, Algebra, and Fractions Forged Modern Mathematics, Science, and Society   In the crucible of ancient civilizations, zero, the decimal system, algebra, and fractions emerged as transformative forces, reshaping mathematics, science, and societal progress. Originating in India (3rd–4th century CE) with the Bakhshali Manuscript and Brahmagupta’s 628 CE formalization, zero and decimals enabled algebra’s birth, revolutionizing computation. Fractions, first systematized in Egypt’s Ahmes Papyrus (c. 1650 BCE), addressed practical division needs. These concepts spread through Silk Road trade, Islamic scholarship, and European adoption (10th–13th century), impacting astronomy, commerce, and engineering. Known initially to a mere 1–5% of populations—scholars, scribes, and merchants—they met universal needs: calendars, navigation, and resource allocation. This essay traces their origins, transformative effects on mathematics and science, societal ...

Sabir: The Tongue of the Mediterranean Sabir, a vibrant pidgin, was the heartbeat of Mediterranean ports for over 700 years, from the 10th to 17th centuries. Born from trade and Crusades, it blended Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Greek, and more, letting merchants, sailors, and corsairs communicate across cultures. At its peak in the 15th–16th centuries, Sabir fueled commerce in bustling hubs like Venice and Tunis, reflecting the sea’s multicultural spirit. Its simple grammar and flexible vocabulary—think “bono” (good) or “salaam” (peace)—made it a bridge for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. As Atlantic trade and standardized languages rose, Sabir faded by the 1700s, but its legacy lingers in words like “almirante” (admiral). More than a language, Sabir was a testament to human connection, proving that even in a divided world, people can craft a shared voice to trade, talk, and thrive. Imagine a bustling port in 14th-century Algiers. Merchants haggle over silk and spices, sailors shout ...