Mathematics, Hindoos, Arabs, etc -- Choostahai stay away!

The issue of whether the Hindoos invented the zero or the Arabic numerals, and other important advances in mathematics is irrelevant. The fact is that the Arabs chronicled these findings and thus gave their name to sifar (cipher) and the Arabic numerals. As heartbreaking as it may seem, the one who files the patent reaps the rewards.

Columbus "discovered" the "New" World, even though there were already human beings living all over those lands. Even Columbus got ripped off when Americus Vespucci wrote about the "new" continents, which were aptly named after him, giving us the Americas - both North and South. Thus, the United States of America honor Vespucci while poor Chris is left with DC - not many know that it stands for District of Columbia.

So like the "Indians" of the "New" World, the Indians of the old one got screwed. Arabs got zero and Hindoos got what Al-Khwarizmi's parrot left on the rock.