Integral Sign (∫)
Mathematical symbol denoting integration, introduced by Leibniz.
Mathematical/Western · 1675 – present
Infinity Symbol (∞)
Mathematical symbol representing an unbounded quantity or the concept of endlessness.
Description
The infinity symbol (∞) was introduced by English mathematician John Wallis in his 1655 work 'De sectionibus conicis'. The symbol resembles a figure eight lying on its side (a lemniscate). In mathematics, it is used to represent an unbounded limit, an infinite set, or a value larger than any real number. It appears in calculus (limits, integrals), set theory (cardinality of infinite sets), and complex analysis. The symbol is also used in physics, philosophy, and popular culture to represent endlessness.
Origin & Cultural Context
Introduced by John Wallis in 'De sectionibus conicis' (1655). The origin of the shape may derive from the Roman numeral M (1000) or from the Ouroboros symbol.