[MR] Fwd: Salisbury Medieval Catalogues

[SNSpies at aol.com]

I know I already brought these three books to your attention and raved  
about them (let alone the sale cost which is terrific).  
 
I want to point out one of the sections in Part 3 called "Jettons or  
Casting Counters".  "In the medieval period, calculations had to be carried  out 
with cumbersome Roman numerals, as our present methods using Arabic numbers  
were not in general use until the seventeenth century.  A system of  
reckoning was evolved using a checquered board or cloth and a series of metal  
pieces known by many names, including the French word 'jeton' from the verb  
jeter, to throw or cast.  The counting board became essential wherever  
calculations were performed.  The expressions 'to cast accounts' was in use  until 
quite recently and today we still buy things 'over the counter'."
 
The article goes on to show the counting board and how it was used to  
calculate (addition and subtraction) using Roman numerals.  I found  this 
absolutely fascinating and something I have never seen before.  
 
All three of these volumes have really interesting items in them with full  
archaeological drawings and/or photographs with detailed explanations, well 
 worth the sale price.
 
Nancy/Ingvild
 
 
  
____________________________________
 From: ian.stevens at dbbcdist.com
To: snspies at aol.com
Sent: 11/13/2010  4:01:02 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Salisbury Medieval Catalogues  availabl at great prices from DBBC


'Salisbury Museum Medieval Catalogues, Volume 1: Harness  pendants, seals, 
rings, spurs, tiles, coins, mortars, etc.' - Saunders,  Peter
List Price: US$ 60.00 * Our Price: US$ 19.98 *
Link:  http://www.oxbowbooks.com/bookinfo.cfm/ID/2950/MID/948

'Salisbury  Museum Medieval Catalogues, Volume 2: Pilgrim Souvenirs and 
Secular Badges' -  Spencer, Brian
List Price: US$ 40.00 * Our Price: US$ 19.98 *
Link:  http://www.oxbowbooks.com/bookinfo.cfm/ID/2927/MID/948

'Salisbury  Museum Medieval Catalogues Part 3' - edited by Peter Saunders 
List Price:  US$ 72.00 * Our Price: US$ 19.98 *
Link:  http://www.oxbowbooks.com/bookinfo.cfm/ID/31530/MID/948