Literary notes about numerical (AI summary)
The term “numerical” is deployed with remarkable versatility across literature. In highly technical and mathematical contexts, it appears in discussions of equations, computations, and measurements—for example, in references to the resolution of equations and construction of tables ([1], [2], [3], [4], [5]). At the same time, “numerical” is used metaphorically in political and philosophical writings to denote the significance of quantity or order, such as distinguishing between effective and mere numerical majorities in social discourse ([6], [7], [8], [9]). Authors also employ the adjective to stress the precision of arrangements, whether in numbering chapters or items ([10], [11]), or even to highlight the symbolic structure underlying a concept, as seen in debates about identity and substance ([12], [13]). This broad range of applications—from concrete mathematical examples to abstract social and metaphysical commentary—demonstrates the word's adaptable role in conveying both literal and figurative measurements of value.
- Of the numerical resolution of equations.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Approximate relation between the numerical values of these three co-efficients.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Resolution of two numerical equations of the second degree with two unknown quantities.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - This experiment determines a numerical value of the co-efficients; it is not of a nature to serve as a check upon the theoretical principles.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - An exact numerical measurement can only be obtained when the sum of the squares of the two sides is a square number.
— from Amusements in Mathematics by Henry Ernest Dudeney - What is the distinction made by Lowell between ( a ) an effective majority, and ( b ) a numerical majority, with reference to public opinion?
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park - If we can, our numerical majority has both the natural and constitutional right to govern them.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - In South Africa we see the same determination of the white man to rule, regardless of the numerical superiority of the black.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park - Numerical majorities by vote have been our great arbiter.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - She wants to get them in correct numerical order—that is, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 on the top shelf, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 on the next shelf, and so on.
— from Amusements in Mathematics by Henry Ernest Dudeney - The numbering has been retained, though the footnotes, all moved to the end of the text, now appear in numerical order.
— from A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States by George T. Flom - For, I suppose nobody will make identity of persons to consist in the soul’s being united to the very same numerical particles of matter.
— from An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1 by John Locke - First, it must be either the same individual, immaterial, thinking substance; in short, the same numerical soul, and nothing else.
— from An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1 by John Locke
