Search Loci: Convergence: Suppose we loosely define a religion
as any discipline whose foundations rest on an element of faith,
irrespective of any element of reason which may be present.
Quantum mechanics for example would be a religion under this
definition. But mathematics would hold the unique position of
being the only branch of theology possessing a rigorous
demonstration of the fact that it should be so classified. In H.
Eves In Mathematical Circles, Boston: Prindle, Weber and
Schmidt, 1969. Gerbert d'Aurillac and the March of Spain: A
Convergence of Cultures Gerbert devised a new kind of abacus
which one could use to calculate with the Hindu numerals, a flat
board with columns drawn on it, corresponding to ones, tens,
hundreds, and so forth. (Some scholars believe he may have been
the first person to use the Latin term abacus.) He had a shield-
maker construct small pieces of animal horn with the numerals on
them; called apices, the pieces could then be placed on the
board to represent numbers. A zero