146 



ON THE EDUCATION OF 



The numbers may be as easily taught as any other adjec- 

 tives, and on exactly the same principles. Each mark is, in- 

 deed, significant, which is not usually the case with the letters 

 of which words consist. But this circumstance cannot produce 

 anv embarrassment. When he knows the meaning of the 

 word cup, that of 2 cups and 3 cups is easily conveyed ; 

 and the variation of the examples will soon suggest the gene- 

 rality which is to be attached to the numerical sign. The mean- 

 ing of the units and their combinations may be taught by 

 means of small bodies, such as pins, marbles, or pebbles. 

 The regularity of the decimal numeration, and the power of 

 expression obtained by the combination of the ciphers, are 

 not unlikely to be contemplated by him with considerable re- 

 lish. Information in these particulars may at first be conveyed 

 to him by means of pins stuck in a flat cushion, or pegs 

 stuck in holes in a board, in such an order as the following : 

 1 



2 

 3 



10 

 11 



20 



&c. 



{ 



&c. 



{ 



&c. 



r 



100 



The 



