720 CENTKAL AMERICAN" HIEROGLYPHIC WRITING. 



The progress made in deciphering the text of the codices is less than 

 that made in interpreting the inscriptions, as the number of numeral, 

 time, and other s^ymbols in the former which have been determined 

 is less in proportion to the whole than in the latter. However, this 

 proportion is limited to the text of the codices and does not include 

 the accompanA'ing numeral and day series. Nevertheless, the aid fur- 

 nished by the figures which are introduced, together with the relation 

 a large portion of the time series bear to the text and figures, often 

 furnish some indication of the general purport of the plates, but all 

 attempts to give the details have thus far failed, from the lack of means 

 of verification. Two or three of the plates of the Dresden codex are 

 devoted entirely to a single numeral scries. These can l^e followed 

 throughout and the obliterated characters in most cases restored; in 

 fact, some of them seem to be little else than the steps of the calcula- 

 tion made by the original scribe. Possibly their relation to adjacent 

 series may yet T)e ascertained and their signification determined. 

 This lias been accomplished in regard to the series running through 

 plates 40-5() of the Dresden codex." 



A brief answer to the question, What has the progress thus far 

 made in deciplKM'ing this hiei'oglyphic writing added to our knowledge 

 of the ancient history, life, and attainments of the Maya people? may 

 properly close this brief article. 



That it has shown a greater advance in culture along particular lines 

 than was previousl}^ known is certainly true. Much has Ijeen ascer- 

 tained from the remains of stone structures and the sculptured designs 

 thereon in regard to the advance of tlie Mayas along certain lines of 

 art and their abilit}^ to form and to carry out comprehensive plans 

 and designs; but the study of the hieroglyphs has brought to light 

 evidence of mental capability and attainments of a higher grade in 

 some respects than has been shown elsewhere. It would be some- 

 what difficult for an3'one at the present da}^, except a mathematician, 

 to calculate l)ack 34,059 years 9 months and 18 days from a particular 

 day in the present year, using our Gregorian calendar, and determin- 

 ing the exact month, day of the month, and day of the week that will 

 be reached. Yet this was accomplished by the Maj^a priests according 

 to their calendar and with their cumbersome vigesimal system. Not 

 onl}" was it necessary to reduce the several orders of units (cycles, 

 katuns, etc.) to the lowest denomination, but the sum had to be 

 changed into years, months, and days. The modern mathematician 

 has his liooks of tables, and his paper, ink, and pen and pencil, and a 

 numeral system that is simple and easy to handle. How did the 

 Mayan scribe solve the same problem with the means he had at hand? 

 The study of the glyphs has brought these facts and this question 

 before us. 



«The Maya Year, by Cyrus Thomas, Bureau Am. Ethn., 1894. 



