THOMAS] GOODMAN’S SYSTEM 1S) 
fails to do) that the theory of 13 cycles to the great cycle is 
erroneous and that the count follows the vigesimal system, as in the 
Dresden codex. It is significant, however, that by simply changing 
1 Ahau 8 Chen to 13 Ahau 8 Chen, counting back 17-19-10-0-0 we 
reach + Ahau 8 Cumbu. 
Moreover, if the Dresden codex, which, so far as appears, follows 
the same time system that is found in the inscriptions, can haye cor- 
rectly 19 cycles, where is the evidence to be found that 17 cycles 
would necessarily be erroneous in the inscriptions? Mr Goodman’s 
objection seems to rest wholly on his theory of the chronologic system. 
This is insufficient to justify belief in such a radical difference between 
the systems of two records which in all other respects are so nearly 
alike. 
Following Mr Goodman’s interpretation of numeral symbols, an 
additional fact bearing on this question, we find in certain details 
of the great cycle and katun symbols. According to him, the comb- 
like figure similar to those on the katun symbol has the value of 20, 
If it plays any part in making up the numerical value of the katun, it 
may reasonably be assumed that it performs a similar office in connec- 
tion with the great cycle symbol, of which it is a usual accompaniment. 
It is true that Mr Goodman has furnished no proof that this particular 
character is a numeral symbol denoting 20, but in accordance with 
his theory it should have the same value in connection with the great 
cycle glyph as elsewhere. 
In this series we have the only evidence in the inscriptions of which 
I am aware that the great cycles were numbered, 14 being the highest 
number given. But this numbering is just as the numbering of 
our thousands or millions; we say 10 thousand and 10 million. In 
the Dresden codex four of these periods are noted in some four or five 
series. These are the highest counts, so far as is known, that the Maya 
reached, their notation seeming to have spent itself in the sixth order 
of units. We conclude, therefore, that, though the data are not suft- 
cient to settle all these points by absolute demonstration, as all the evi- 
dence obtainable is against the theory of 13 cycles to the great cycle 
and in favor of 20, andas the only evidence as to the numbering of the 
great cycles indicates that they go above 13, it is safest to assume that 
the vigesimal system was followed throughout after the count rose 
above the chuen or second order of units. 
It is often justifiable to advance into the field of speculation in order 
to clear away so far as possible obstructions to advancement and to 
fix the limits of investigation, but the result of speculation can not 
safely be used as a factor in mathematical demonstration, and Mr 
Maudslay has candidly stated the necessity for further investigation 
in this respect. 
We have noticed the numbering of the ahaus by the day numbers, 
