1865.] 23 [Chase. 



Nine. Hm. psit; Le. pefcu^c (=pesac, one [sumP^, ciij, wanting, 

 wagka, owe); Bl. piksua. 



Ten. Hm., Cp. mnt, met, meti; Sha. metatvi; Po. matatso; Cree 

 mitatat, mitatano; Shy, matokto; At. matatasits. Compare Cp. 

 meti, ha//; L. medius, dimidium; S. madhyaj Y. medji, hoo. 

 Roots denoting measurement (metior, mete, &c.), may very naturally 

 have been derived from the same root as met, ten. 



From comparisons like the foregoing, it appears that the primitive 

 numerals, so far as I have been able to trace their probable origin, 

 were intended to convey the following ideas : 



One. Existence, a piece, a group. 



Two. Division, repetition. 



Three. Collection. 



Four Twice two. 



Five. Hand, division, collection. 



Six. Second one, five-one, twice three. 



Seven. Second two, five-two. 



Eight. Second three, five-three, twice four, two from ten. 



Nine. One from ten, three threes. 



Ten. One (group), two (fives). 



Pending nominations Nos. 534, 535, 536, and 537, were 

 read. 



A discussion took place respecting the remaining volumes 

 of Duponceau's Memoir on the Chinese Language. 



And the Society was then adjourned. 



Stated Meeting, March 3, 1865. 



Present, ten members. 



Dr. Wood, President, in the Chair. 



A letter inclosing a photograph was received from Mr. C. 

 A. Schott, dated Washington, March 1, 1865, 



Donations for the Library were received from the Royal 

 Astronomical Society, Prof. James Hall, the Franklin Insti- 

 tute, the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, the 

 National Academy, and Mr. C. H. Hart. 



