62 



THE ARCHAIC MAYA INSCRIPTIONS. 



BEN— The Day Sign for 17. 



There is no numerical significance in the constituent parts of this character, that I 

 can detect ; yet it must be constructed in accordance with some arithmetical principle, 

 for, either in this or some slightly modified form, it constitutes part of the numerous 

 ben-ik signs, which unquestionably always have a numeric value. 



IX— The Day Sign for 18. 



The small circles, signifying 3 each, raised to double their value by the surrounding 

 dots, and multiplied by their number — 3x2x3 = 18. It not unlikely represents a 

 tiger-skin also. The Mayas were apt at detecting resemblances and coincidences, and 

 prompt to avail themselves of them to enrich and diversify their graphic system. 



MEN.-The Day Sign for 19. 



Another symbol that does not occur in the inscriptions. The character found in the 

 codices appears to be made up of the death-face, the 6-eye, and a rudimentary hand- 

 sign that everywhere has the value of 3 — 10 + 6 + 3=19. 



