Bishop Huet, however, thinks it improbable that the Arabians received figures from the Indians, but, on the contrary, that the Indians obtained them from the Arabians, and the Arabians from the Grecians; from whom, in fact, they acquired a knowledge of every science they possessed. The shape of the figures they received underwent a great alteration; yet if we examine them, divested of prejudice, we shall find very manifest traces of the Grecian figures, which were nothing more than letters of their alphabet.
A small comma, or dot, was their mark for units.
The letter β (b) if its two extremities are erased, produces the figure 2.
If we form the letter γ (g) with more inclination to the left than usual, shorten the foot, and give some rotundity to the left horns near the left side, we shall make the figure 3.
The letter Δ (D) is the figure 4, as we should find on giving the left leg a perpendicular form, and lengthening it below the base, which also should be enlarged towards the left.
From the ε (e short) is formed the 5, by only bringing towards the right side the demicircle which is beneath inclining to the left.
From the figure 5 they made the 6, by leaving out the foot, and rounding the body.
Of the Ζ (Z) they make the 7, by leaving out the base.
If we turn the four corners of the Η (e long) towards the inside, we shall make the figure 8.
The ϑ (th) was the figure 9 without any alteration.