When was scientific notation discovered?

Answer 1

Well, it was never "discovered." Scientific notation is just a means of grouping by tens using it a means to write really large numbers by using less space.

Often Descartes is "credited" with "inventing" it in 1637. This is primarily an internet thing and has no actual proof.

Even Archimedes who lived nearly 2000 years before Descartes used a similar system.

Going with the whole Descartes idea, however, you can definitely state that the use of the modern form of scientific notation (also called "standard form") was used and taught by nearly all noted mathematicians by the end of the Renaissance movement.

Trying to give credit to a specific person or date would be like trying to ask who invented shaving cream.