I started writing a new draft titled "Going Negative" and would love to get your feedback. I plan on publishing it on the 17th and will continue to tinker with it between now and the weekend. Is it too long? If so, what passages would you suggest I compress, or cut? I'm not an historian. Do I get my math history wrong, either blatantly (with mis-statements of fact) or subtly (by misplacement of emphasis or other forms of distortion)? I'm still confused about the differences between Frend's position and De Morgan's (and I'm sure the difference is an important one). I'm not a pre-college teacher. Do I misunderstand the pedagogical issues posed by negative numbers at the pre-college level? Suggestions for references, and comments of all kinds, are welcome. I appreciate candid criticism from people who are sympathetic to my aims but think I've fallen short of them. My prose style is designed to make the material accessible, but my breeziness should not be interpreted as indicating indifference to scholarly correctness. Please leave your feedback at https://mathenchant.wordpress.com?p=1196&shareadraft=57d777dd7094f keeping in mind that the comments of EVERYONE on math-fun will get funneled through the same email conduit; if you want me to know who you are, please sign your comments! If you sign your comments I'll assume (unless you indicate otherwise) that you don't mind my acknowledging your contribution. Title: Going Negative Beginning: Minus times minus equals plus / The reason for this we will not discuss. --- W. H. Auden, recalling a popular verse from his school days Ever tried mixing together your two least favorite foods? I suspect you haven't. Nobody mixes two noxious ingredients and expects the results to be tasty... Read more: https://mathenchant.wordpress.com?p=1196&shareadraft=57d777d d7094f Thanks, Jim Propp