No. VI. Tibetan Symbolical Names, used as Numerals. 
[J.A.S.B., Vol. III, p. 6 (1834).] 
In astronomy and astrology, there are many works to be 
found in Tibet that have not been introduced into the Kah- 
gyur or Stan-gyur collections. Of these the most celebrated 
is the ce tab Karpo, written by s,De-srid Sangs-r gqyas r,Gya- 
m,ts’ ho (x a5 AIA" ar J "aI ), 2 regent or viceroy at 
Lhassa, in the last half of the seventeenth century of our era. 
In all these works, symbolical names (AERTAR grangs 
br,da, numerical signs) are used instead of numerals, in all 
arithmetical and astronomical calculations. As for instance : 
+A, for + 2 a for—3 ; x &, for x 4 ;+ 3] for +32. 
This mode of expressing numbers has been borrowed from 
India by the Tibetans. For some of the numerals specified 
below, there are yet other synonymous terms applied in Tibetan, 
as in Sanskrit, but in their works these only are of general use 
Although the nine units, together with the zero (0), would be 
sufficient to express any greater number, yet there are used the 
following numerals also : 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 24, 25, 27, 
and 32. 
When dictating to an assistant in symbolical names what to 
write in characters, the pandit commences the operation from 
right to left : thus if he says oA (12), RRA (0), NA (4), 
the other writes 4012, &c. This method is the same as that 
followed i in the Shastras of India, therefore it is unnecessary to 
not from Tibetan books, but from other toe? 
9: eds aq, . g2ugs, body ; 8. shariram. 
A zla, the moon ; 8. chandra. 
Qaa7R, hot-tkar, white brightness, the moon: 
S. shwétd-rochis. 
