Empire of the Sum
99% Invisible
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The Evolution of Counting Tools
This chapter explores the historical and biological origins of counting, examining how both humans and animals use counting to interact with their environment. It traces the development of counting tools from fingers and the abacus to slide rules and early mechanical calculators, highlighting cultural and technological advancements. The narrative reflects on the challenges and limitations of these devices, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of our numerical representation and calculation methods.
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