The 0 and 1 harken back to rotary switches
and CEE standards.
Here is a quote from IEC 380, "Electrical
Safety of Office Machines," 1972:
If figures are used for indicating the
different positions, the "off" position
shall be indicated by the figure 0 and the
position for a greater output, input, speed,
cooling effect, etc., shall be indicated
by a higher figure.
The figure 0 shall not be used for any
other indication, except that this shall not
preclude the use of the figure 0 for the
identification of an alphabetic or numeric
key on an office machine.
Ever see such equipment -- a rotary off-on
switch with other positions such as receiving
band??? Atwater Kent radios had them!
Since that time, the 0 and 1 have morphed
into the circle and line and variations
thereof.
Notice that, back in 1972, you could use the
words "off" and "on."
Now consider Brian's questions about the use
of the 0 and 1. What have we done to ourselves???
Best regards,
Rich
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