The Historical Journey of the @ Symbol: From Shorthand to Email

Many might believe that the @ symbol was invented for the internet, but its history stretches back much further than the digital age. This symbol, now commonly associated with email addresses, has a rich and diverse background, starting as a shorthand notation and evolving over centuries.

Origins and Early Uses

The @ symbol has roots in ancient shorthand practices and commercial notations. It has been used for shorthand, indicating a unit of weight, and even for specific linguistic and symbolic purposes.

In ancient times, the symbol was found in a Bulgarian translation of a Greek chronicle written by Constantinos Manasses in 1345. Held at the Vatican Apostolic Library, this document features the @ symbol as an abbreviation for the capital letter alpha. Although the exact reason for this specific use remains unknown, it provides a glimpse into the early adoption and interpretation of the symbol.

Mechanical Typewriters and Pre-Internet Usage

Contrary to popular belief, the @ symbol appeared on typewriters long before the internet. An example is an old mechanical typewriter from the late 1940s, manufactured well before the internet's widespread use. This early implementation of the @ symbol underscores its importance in pre-digital communication.

Commercial Usage and Arithmetic

The @ symbol has a long history in commercial settings, particularly in Europe. It was used as an abbreviation for arroba, a unit of weight equivalent to 25 pounds. This usage emerged from the Arabic term ar-rub. The symbol's shape is reminiscent of a lowercase 'a' in a circle, making it easy to recognize and use.

In the Florentine documents from Francesco Lapi in Seville, a similar symbol is found, dating back to 1536. This symbol was used in trade and commerce, specifically in correspondence about the prices of goods in Peru. The term amphora or anfora was also used to describe a unit of weight and volume based on the capacity of the standard amphora jar.

Arithmetic and Symbolic Meanings

In addition to its commercial and shorthand uses, the @ symbol has been used for arithmetic and symbolic purposes. The lowercase 'a' in a circle form is perfect for representing the concept of "at a rate." The form e-a (or ea) is used to denote an inside-outside motion, reflecting a recursive or circular process, much like the symbol itself.

Conclusion

The @ symbol, though seemingly a simple addition to emails, has a complex and fascinating history. Its origins in shorthand, commercial notations, and linguistic practices highlight its versatility and long-standing significance in communication and commerce. From its early use on manual typewriters to its modern role in email addresses, the @ symbol continues to evolve and remain a key part of our digital world.