All science requires mathematics†the knowledge of mathematical things is almost innate in us†this is the easiest of sciences. A fact which is obvious in that no one's brain rejects it. For laymen and people who are utterly illiterate know how to count and reckon.

-Bacon, Roger known as Doctor Mirabilis
  Opus Majus, pt.4, ch.1 (translated by Robert Belle Burke, 1928).

Promisetoforgetthis fellowöto illiteratehim,Isay, quite from your memory.

-Sheridan, Richard Brinsley
  Mrs Malaprop to Lydia.The Rivals, act1, sc.2.