Reddit mentions of Number: The Language of Science

I really enjoyed Dantzig's, Number. It more explores the development of the numerical system, but I think that is tied into what you are interested in. The book doesnt really get too far into modern notation though.

Evolution of numbers is the "basic story". This is what Einstein said about this book
"This is beyond doubt the most interesting book on the evolution of mathematics which has ever fallen into my hands. If people know how to treasure the truly good, this book will attain a lasting place in the literature of the world. The evolution of mathematical thought from the earliest times to the latest constructions is presented here with admirable consistency and originality and in a wonderfully lively style."

Read Amazon reviews to get more info.

What about Number: The Language of Science by Tobias Dantzig? I came across it at a Border's closing and rather enjoyed it.

http://www.amazon.com/Number-Language-Science-Tobias-Dantzig/dp/0452288118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347469608&sr=8-1&keywords=Number

There is a very interesting book called Number which explores this a bit. It goes through the history of the development of the concept of what a number is, including the shift to writing math with symbols instead of words.

I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Number: The Language of Science

Changed my thinking about math/science to be more compatible with my artistic/philosophical leanings.

Is it Number: The Language of Science by Dantzig? It covers the early history of math pretty well. I strongly recommend it. So does Albert Einstein.