It is a simple and easy process; knowing exactly what consonants are
used to represent each of the numbers, you simply write at the side of
the numbers to be turned into words the consonants which stand for them;
and using any vowels you please, you find out by experimenting what
words can translate the figures. Suppose you wish to find out what words
will translate the date of the settlement of Jamestown, Va., 1607. You
place the figures under each other as below, and then you place at the
right hand of each figure the consonants which translate it.
1 = t, th, d.
6 = sh, j, ch, g soft (as in gem),
0 = s, z, c soft (as in cease).
7 = g hard, k, c hard, q, and ng.
By experimenting you soon find the following phrases will represent
1607; as, "A {D}u{tch} {S}o{ng}," "{D}a{sh} a {S}a{ck}," "{T}o wa{sh} a
{S}o{ck}," "{Th}e {Ch}oo{s}i{ng}," "{Th}e {Ch}a{s}i{ng}," "{T}ou{ch}e{s}
a {K}ey," &c.
Try the date of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States,
1787. Writing down the numbers as before, you place t, th, d, opposite
1; g hard, k, c hard, q, ng, opposite 7; f and v, opposite 8; g hard, k,
c hard, q, and ng, opposite 7; and then you soon find translating words,
as follows: "{T}o {g}i{v}e a {K}ey," "{Th}e {g}i{v}i{ng}," "{Th}e
{q}ua{f}fi{ng}," "{Th}e {C}ou{gh}i{ng}," &c.
In all cases you must carefully comply with the rules and explanations
heretofore given. A little practice will enable you to dispense with
writing down the figures and the consonants which represent them; but at
first pains must be taken in the above way to secure accuracy.
1. What would be your method of procedure?
2. What must be done in all cases?
3. What will a little practice enable you to do?
4. What must be done to secure accuracy at first?
5. Deal with an original date in the way indicated here.
6. In dealing with the date of the foundation of Yale College,
would the phrase "taxes due" express 1701?
7. If not, why?
8. Can you translate into a word or phrase the date of your own
birth?
9. Translate into words or phrases the birth and death dates of
some of the historic characters which you admire most.
10. Keep a record of these words or phrases for future examination.
Try 1636, the date of the founding of Harvard College: You obtain
"{D}a{sh} a {m}i{dg}e," "{Th}e {ch}u{m} a{g}e," "{T}ea{ch} {m}u{ch},"
"{T}o {sh}ow {m}y {j}oy," &c.
The founding of Yale College in 1701 gives: "{T}oo{k} a {s}ea{t},"
"{Th}e {c}o{s}{t}," "{Th}e {q}ue{s}{t}," "{Th}e {c}a{s}{t}," "A {t}a{x}
{d}ue," or "{T}oo{k} a {c}i{t}y," &c.
Sometimes the first consonants only of words are used. Comenius,
Educational Reformer (things before words, pictured illustrations, &c.)
and Moravian Bishop, was born 1592: or (1) {Th}ings (5) We{l}l (9)
{P}ictured (2) {N}ow. He died 1671; or A (1) {T}eaching (6) {Ch}urchman
(7) {G}ave (1) Ou{t}.