SKU: 8638417556

The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero

Sale price$14.52 Regular price$16.13
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $4.03 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 26 - Jul 31

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of ZeroA symbol for what is not there, an emptiness that increases any number it's added to, an inexhaustible and indispensable paradox. As we enter the year 2000, zero is once again making its presence felt. Nothing itself, it makes possible a myriad of calculations. Indeed, without zero mathematics as we know it would not exist. And without mathematics our understanding of the universe would be vastly impoverished. But where did this nothing, this hollow

A symbol for what is not there, an emptiness that increases any number it's added to, an inexhaustible and indispensable paradox. As we enter the year 2000, zero is once again making its presence felt. Nothing itself, it makes possible a myriad of calculations. Indeed, without zero mathematics as we know it would not exist. And without mathematics our understanding of the universe would be vastly impoverished. But where did this nothing, this hollow circle, come from? Who created it? And what, exactly, does it mean?
Robert Kaplan's The Nothing That Is: A Natural History of Zero begins as a mystery story, taking us back to Sumerian times, and then to Greece and India, piecing together the way the idea of a symbol for nothing evolved. Kaplan shows us just how handicapped our ancestors were in trying to figure large sums without the aid of the zero. (Try multiplying CLXIV by XXIV). Remarkably, even the Greeks, mathematically brilliant as they were, didn't have a zero--or did they? We follow the trail to the East where, a millennium or two ago, Indian mathematicians took another crucial step. By treating zero for the first time like any other number, instead of a unique symbol, they allowed huge new leaps forward in computation, and also in our understanding of how mathematics itself works.
In the Middle Ages, this mathematical knowledge swept across western Europe via Arab traders. At first it was called "dangerous Saracen magic" and considered the Devil's work, but it wasn't long before merchants and bankers saw how handy this magic was, and used it to develop tools like double-entry bookkeeping. Zero quickly became an essential part of increasingly sophisticated equations, and with the invention of calculus, one could say it was a linchpin of the scientific revolution. And now even deeper layers of this thing that is nothing are coming to light: our computers speak only in zeros and ones, and modern mathematics shows that zero alone can be made to generate everything.
Robert Kaplan serves up all this history with immense zest and humor; his writing is full of anecdotes and asides, and quotations from Shakespeare to Wallace Stevens extend the book's context far beyond the scope of scientific specialists. For Kaplan, the history of zero is a lens for looking not only into the evolution of mathematics but into very nature of human thought. He points out how the history of mathematics is a process of recursive abstraction: how once a symbol is created to represent an idea, that symbol itself gives rise to new operations that in turn lead to new ideas. The beauty of mathematics is that even though we invent it, we seem to be discovering something that already exists.
The joy of that discovery shines from Kaplan's pages, as he ranges from Archimedes to Einstein, making fascinating connections between mathematical insights from every age and culture. A tour de force of science history, The Nothing That Is takes us through the hollow circle that leads to infinity.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 12/01/2000
ISBN: 9780195142372
Pages: 240
Weight: 0.58lbs
Size: 7.73h x 4.68w x 0.60d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 8638417556

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 15 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
I
Verified Purchase
Ivan
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect night-play companion
This ball is a total lifesaver for our evening routine. It’s perfectly suited for nighttime, the glow is so bright and consistent. My pup used to get so disappointed when the sun went down because it meant we had to stop playing ball. Now, the fun doesn't have to end! He never has to feel let down by the dark again. Seeing his face light up (literally!) is the best part.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2026
E
Emma Langford
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
This Ball Was Awesome........ ! (NOT FOR CHEWERS)!
My young Labs are not heavy chewers but they LOVE their ball time! They loved this ball and it was soon the new favorite. It was bouncy, solid and good fun to throw and fetch. It was the same size as a standard tennis ball, perfect! There is a little light inside which is charged by USB C and makes great ball play time in the dark. However, I just went to charge it and I noticed that the little rubber bit you turn to get the rechargeable light out had been bitten and chewed all around it so I can no longer get the light out. The ball is made of really hard silicone just not around the edges of this part, its plastic and I did not notice. Now I have two very sad puppies who want their ball back. It worked really well for so long and it has only just broken. I do not think they have chewed it that hard either, just from the retrieving it and bringing it back to me. They really loved this ball, the way it glowed it the dark, how high it bounced and the weight of it. Good value for money if your dog has a soft mouth!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jen
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
🧦 Simple & Effective – ZenToes Moisturizing Socks Review ✨
Color: Green Gingham & Multi Plaid, Size: Regular
These ZenToes moisturizing socks are such a smart and effective solution for dry, cracked heels! I really like that they only cover the heels instead of the whole foot—no hot, sweaty toes, which is a huge plus. They come in a pack of two, and for the price, it’s a great value. I also found that they fit well and stayed in place overnight. They were a bit snug around my foot, but still comfortable enough to wear. What really impressed me is how well they work. The socks are nice and thick, and after just one use overnight, my heels were noticeably smoother. Even better—the results lasted about a week without needing any extra lotion, which I personally love since I’m not a fan of applying creams. I would definitely buy these again and highly recommend them if you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance way to keep your heels soft.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
S Roth
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
They work!!
Color: Fuzzy Slate Gray, Size: Regular, Color: Fuzzy Slate Gray, Size: Regular
I bought these to replace a very old pair that I originally got at Bed Bath and Beyond like 20+ yrs ago, and the fabric was starting to fray. However, the gel pad inside (at the heel) was still working just fine. Anyway, this new set includes 2 pairs, with a gel pad inside each heel area. Results are truly amazing, I kid you not. You can use them without a moisturizer, but I like to put moisturizer on my heels, then wear these overnight, and in the morning my heels are soft, with no dry skin and NO cracks. I like the fact that these are kind of soft and fuzzy (outside), but I LOVE that they leave your toes exposed and cool (because my heels feel kind of warm from the moisturizer and gel pad). They are of good thickness, and I feel they will last a long time (of course remains to be seen). Highly recommend.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
cindy
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for cracked heals ♥️
Color: Cheetah, Size: Regular, Color: Cheetah, Size: Regular
These are thick not cheaply made, has a nice texture inside the heal area which I love. I wear them at night after I apply Aquaphor to my heels & while sleeping they are very comfortable. I slipped these guys on & my heels are healing so much faster no more cracked heels for me. 😃 I highly recommend them.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026

recommand products