AS PRACTISED BY THE ARABS. 31 



the expression when we recollect how many of our own technical phrases, 

 if literally translated would, to an Arab, appear equally worthy of ridi- 

 cule. How would an Anatomist defend the Carpet of the Eye, the Boat 

 and Moon bones of the Wrist, the greater and lesser Couriers of the 

 Thigh, the Bedpost processes of the Scull, and the dancing Net of the 

 Brain ; and innumerable other names equally fantastic. Nor is even the 

 severe Science of which we are now treating, quite exempt from this cen- 

 sure. What shall we say of the Forefinger of a Power, or the Chain of a 

 Root? 



(37.) Then divide the given number into Periods by dots, as directed 

 in Par. 32 Art. a). Draw a Pulpit Diagram, ascending to the left hand, 

 having as many steps as there are periods in the given number. From 

 each step draw longitudinal lines down the page, so as to have in each 

 step a place for each figure of the corresponding period, between the in- 

 terstices of each two longitudinal lines. Write the figures of each period 

 regularly in the highest part of each of these interstices, in the several 

 corresponding steps, and immediately under the line which constitutes 

 the upper boundary of the Pulpit. Produce these longitudinal lines as 

 far as convenient. Then divide the whole figure thus constituted by cross 

 lines into as many divisions, nearly equal, as there are units in the Index 

 of the Root to be extracted. 



(38.) That is in the present case, make a Pulpit Diagram of 6 steps, 

 divide the highest and left hand step by longitudinal lines into 3 intersti- 

 tial spaces, in which write the 3 figures of the first period, as in Par. 31). 

 Then divide each lower step into 6 interstitial spaces, in which write the 

 figures of their corresponding periods. Divide the whole figure by cross 

 lines into 6 divisions of nearly equal length. For distinction I have, in the 

 example, made the cross lines, which are the boundaries of these divi- 

 sions, double. Call the lowest of these divisions the Rank of the Latus, 



