American mathematician and researcher in the field of number theory Eric T. Bell dedicated his book to the history of the origin of mathematical thought and the development of numerical theory from its inception in antiquity to the modern era. Reasonably and convincingly, the author demonstrates the influence that the “magic of numbers” had on the development of religion, philosophy, science and mathematics. THIS. Bell examines the process of transformation of number from a counting tool into a cultural object, formed in the 6th century BC. e. in the school of the ancient Greek philosopher, mystic, experimental physicist and mathematician Pythagoras, the main character of his research. The fundamental point of the teaching of the great scientist of antiquity was the doctrine that “everything that exists is a number.” Dr. Bell studied the development of this doctrine: its decline in the 17th century and its brilliant revival in modern physics. The author also presented and analyzed the works of such giants of mathematics as Galileo, Giordano Bruno, Newton.