Explore the fundamentals of banking through a mathematician's perspective in this 33-minute video lecture. Journey to the Wild West of the 1850s and follow the establishment of Little Cactus Bank to understand key banking concepts. Discover the basics of assets, liabilities, balance sheets, depositors, creditors, and simple accounting. Examine a thought-provoking quote by Henry Ford and delve into the potentially controversial aspects of modern banking practices. Analyze a sample bank balance sheet from 1855 and evaluate the benefits and challenges faced by banks. Gain valuable insights into the history and mechanics of banking systems to better comprehend their role in society.