Leonardo Pisano (Fibonacci)

The knowledge of numbers is a powerful tool.

And I have shown how to use this tool to solve many problems.

For the advancement of learning, I have published this work.

And I have taken care to make it accurate and reliable.

The more one learns, the more one grows.

And I have shown how to apply these principles to new situations.

For the benefit of future generations, I have written this book.

And I have striven to make it a lasting contribution to mathematics.

The art of calculation is a noble pursuit.

And I have shown how to master this art.

For the enlightenment of the mind, I have written this work.

And I have taken care to make it a source of inspiration.

I have been led to publish to you, most excellent Master Michael Scott, a certain work on numbers, which I have compiled from the precepts of Euclid and from the subtleties of arithmetic.

The nine Indian figures are: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. With these nine figures, and with the sign 0 which is called zephyr, any number can be written.

When I had been introduced to the art of the Indians' nine figures through the excellent teaching of my father, and had been taught the method of calculating with them, I conceived a love for it above all others.

I have striven to compose this book in sixteen chapters, containing all the rules of arithmetic, and to demonstrate them with proofs.

And because I have seen that the merchants of Pisa, and others, were accustomed to use the Roman numerals, I have also included a chapter on them, so that they may be able to compare the two methods.

Indeed, I have composed this work for the benefit of the Pisan merchants, and for all others who wish to learn the art of calculation.

The sum of the squares of the numbers from one to ten is 385.

I have also added some geometrical problems, because they are useful for those who wish to learn the art of surveying.