- Write the Figure Alphabet from memory.
- If the pupil has not thoroughly mastered this alphabet, what is required of him?
- If the pupil must review the foregoing six pages, let him find words himself which spell the figures.
- Is not such a course much better than merely to read over the examples and illustrations which I give?
- Is it easy to find words with which to translate dates and numbers?
How to Find words with Which to Translate Dates and Numbers.
It is a simple and easy process; knowing exactly what consonants are used to represent each of the numbers, you simply write at the side of the numbers to be turned into words the consonants which stand for them; and using any vowels you please, you find out by experimenting what words can translate the figures. Suppose you wish to find out what words will translate the date of the settlement of Jamestown, Va., 1607. You place the figures under each other as below, and then you place at the right hand of each figure the consonants which translate it.
- 1 = t, th, d.
- 6 = sh, j, ch, g soft (as in gem),
- 0 = s, z, c soft (as in cease).
- 7 = g hard, k, c hard, q, and ng.
By experimenting you soon find the following phrases will represent 1607; as, “A Dutch Song,” “Dash a Sack,” “To wash a Sock,” “The Choosing,” “The Chasing,” “Touches a Key,” &c.
Try the date of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, 1787. Writing down the numbers as before, you place t, th, d, opposite 1; g hard, k, c hard, q, ng, opposite 7; f and v, opposite 8; g hard, k, c hard, q, and ng, opposite 7; and then you soon find translating words, as follows: “To give a Key,” “The giving,” “The quaffing,” “The Coughing,” &c.
In all cases you must carefully comply with the rules and explanations heretofore given. A little practice will enable you to dispense with writing down the figures and the consonants which represent them; but at first pains must be taken in the above way to secure accuracy.
- What would be your method of procedure?
- What must be done in all cases?
- What will a little practice enable you to do?
- What must be done to secure accuracy at first?
- Deal with an original date in the way indicated here.
- In dealing with the date of the foundation of Yale College, would the phrase “taxes due” express 1701?
- If not, why?
- Can you translate into a word or phrase the date of your own birth?
- Translate into words or phrases the birth and death dates of some of the historic characters which you admire most.
- Keep a record of these words or phrases for future examination.
Try 1636, the date of the founding of Harvard College: You obtain “Dash a midge,” “The chum age,” “Teach much,” “To show my joy,” &c.
The founding of Yale College in 1701 gives: “Took a seat,” “The cost,” “The quest,” “The cast,” “A tax due,” or “Took a city,” &c.