Kingston, Wilkes Barre PA Wyoming Seminary History: How many 0s in a Centillion?

Description

Kingston, Wilkes Barre PA Wyoming Seminary History: How many 0s in a Centillion?
Undated letter in pen, probably from late 19th to early 20th century, from Charles D. Linskill, with answer written in pencil beneath it, signed in pen by L.L. Sprague.
The letter is from Charles Dorrance Linskill (1840-1931), newspaperman and author, of Wilkes Barre, PA. It's addressed to "Prof. of Mathematics" at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, PA. Linskill writes:
“Dear Sir: Will you please to let me know how many ciphers I must use in expressing one Centillion? Yours respectfully, Chas. D. Linskill”
The answer is written beneath in pencil, but signed in pen by Levi L. Sprague (1844-1936), President of the Wyoming Seminary:
“1 Centillion in the United States would be written by Arabic notation as 1 followed by 303 ciphers. Under the English system of numbers, there would be 600 instead of 303 ciphers. L.L. Sprague”
The letter measures about 8" x 10". The folds are visible, and the paper is worn through one of the folds at the top as shown.
This is a fun, unusual item that would be a great gift for the math teacher in your life. Suitable for framing.
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