Why Are Physics Notations Like 'c' for Speed of Light Used?

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Does anyone know a resource (book, website, etc.) where the origin of notations in physics is described? For instance it is clear that F comes from force, but it is not clear why c is the speed of light. I would like to find out how did people come up with the existing notations for physical quantities. Thanks.
 
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Yeah. Then I could throw it at kids who complain that C should stand for Current!
 

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