The Arithmeticke Project 

Investigating the diffusion of hindu-arabic numerals in place of roman 1540-1700

During 2000 and 2001, members of the Family and Community Historical Research Society, in collaboration with Dr Peter Wardley of the University of the West of England, Bristol, conducted a series of micro-studies on this topic. The reports resulting from these studies are presented here, together with other aspects of the venture and related information. The results that emerged from these various micro-studies within the Arithmeticke Project confirm that, for many communities, the diffusion of hindu-arabic numerals occurred in the half-century from the end of the 16th century to the middle of the 17th, with significant changes in the period 1620-1650. However, this experience was not universal, and in some areas Roman numerals were still dominant at the end of the research period, 1700 and beyond. (Project Co-ordinator Pauline White)

 For a review of this project see Family and Community History Vol 6/1 May 2003