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with figures, when it would be extremely aukward and confusing to have the word Toad, as the mnemonical word for 16, perhaps, assimilated with the very next symbol to the one of the same name; considerations of a similar nature directed his choice in all—to avoid those names that might be wanted for common use—whether as words for degrees of longitude and latitude, or any other purpose.
Another arrangement he has effected, which may be found useful; wherever two figures of the same kind are combined, the symbols that belong to them, have the two consonants in their names, that are employed to represent them individually; thus the 11th symbol being formed of two ones, has the consonants, q and t, in the word Equity.—The 22nd symbol has the letters n and h, in the word Noah, the same with 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, and 99, in the names Gama, Zara, Jael, Ovid, Cooke, Woba, and Fop. For some of them he could have chosen more familiar names, thus Aurora and Dido might be used instead of Zara and Ovid; as they would equally represent 44 and 66, but then the above mentioned object would be frustrated; for, by this modification, if the original combination of the consonants and figures were lost, they are sure to be found in the symbols, Equity, Noah, &c. &c.
A variety of other motives that would be idle to detail, influenced his choice; thus Numa, and Nero, would be easier recollected as symbols, than Hygeia and Hero; but as they were monarchs, whose order of succession to be remembered, will cause them to be associated with the symbols, it would appear singular and objectionable, to have them at the same time, media of association, and objects of recollection, with other symbols. Niobe would appear a more appropriate emblem for 28 than Hebe, as n may be supposed to be easier recollected than h for 2; but Niobe would be less useful, for she could not be easily supposed in any
