The Ancient Science of Numbers

Front matter

The Ancient Science of Numbers.

The Practical Application of Its Principles In the Attainment ofHealth, Success, and Happiness.

THE FIRST BOOK OF INSTRUCTION.

Chapter 1

CHAPTER I. THE SCIENCE OF NUMBERS

The Science of Numbers is in no respect a modern invention. Thousands of years ago the Eastern philosophers and religionists knew and practiced it. They recognized the importance of the relationship between the name and the life of the individual, and, when the latter was seriously threatened by disease, or other misfortune, they changed the name to ward off the impending disaster.

Of course, during these scores of centuries, many changes have been made in the Science of Numbers, particularly in the methods of applying it. Students have delved deeply into its mysteries, and, by patient study, and most painstaking experiments, have succeeded in bringing it into truer harmony with existing conditions. In other words, while the Science of Numbers is just what it always has been—one of the surest and safest methods by which man may put his life in harmony with the laws of nature and of God—our more perfect comprehension of the workings of these natural laws has enabled us to apply their principles so accurately that these things which, to the ancients, were mysteries to be accepted upon faith alone, are now seen to be facts, fully capable of actual demonstration.

It would be both interesting and instructive to trace the history of the Science of Numbers through the centuries that have passed since the day when Hebrew and Egyptian mystics taught its principles as one of their most sacred mysteries. In so small a volume, however, it would be folly to attempt so pretentious a task, especially in view of the fact that, for all present purposes, it Is sufficient that we should realize that the Science of Numbers has been known and credited since very early in the world’s history, and that, having been cherished with most tender solicitude through the turmoil and storms of the centuries, it has come to us with the signs of truth and authenticity indelibly fixed by the stamp of years.

It is not easy to find a definition for the Science of Numbers that shall be both brief and comprehensive. We may say, however, that it is a method of enumeration by means of which the life of men and things may be fixed and rounded out to a state of approximate completion by being brought into harmony with the laws of Omnipotence.

According to the theories upon which it has been constructed, man and all his affairs are subject to a rule of what may be termed “divine mathematics.” That is to say, the vibrations of the Infinite, which govern all things and control all circumstances in this world, can be expressed most satisfactorily—in view of the finite limits to our appreciation of divine things—by a system of mathematical notation. To bring this system down to the level of our confined plane of thought, that we may make use of it by applying it to our individual needs and experiences, men have found it advisable to express this truth by a series of Harmonies: (1) by letter; (2) by number; (3) by color; and (4) by note, or musical tone. In every respect these four Harmonies bear a relation of perfect concord to one another. Thus, each name has its own numerical symbol, and each symbol is governed by the vibrations that play in and through the name, standing in a certain ascertainable harmony to its respective color and musical tone. According to the action of these vibrations, or in accordance with the degree of concordant or discordant relation in which the symbols stand to their Harmonies, the life of the individual is turned into fortunate or unfortunate channels; into paths that are pleasant or unpleasant; into ways that are good, or ways that are bad.

It may seem strange, if not a trifle unreasonable, that a mere accident of birth, like that of a name, should exert so material an effect upon the life of the person bearing it, but, when the character of these laws of vibrations is understood, as it will be by those who faithfully study the following pages, the mystery will not be so difficult of comprehension.

It ls true that the name of the child is the act of man—the act of the parents, for which the child is not directly responsible. To hold him responsible, in fact, would be unreasonable, if not unjust, and it is in precisely this respect that the Science of Numbers appears as the great adjustor of human blunders. Thus, the child who could not prevent his parents from giving him an inharmonious name, can change that name to bring it into more perfect concord with harmonious vibrations.

It is sometimes difficult to fathom the apparent mystery that is so often manifested in the operations of divine law, but of one fact we may be certain. God never operates in the affairs of men except by means of laws that are within the scope of human comprehension. It may be possible that—owing to our own ignorance—the secret of the law has not yet been discovered, but it is pretty safe to predict that, were this law understood, we should find that all its operations were along perfectly natural grooves.

Thus, it was not many years ago that science made the discovery of man’s duality of mind, and yet, to-day, the fact of the existence of a subconscious as well as a conscious sense is generally regarded as a well-established conclusion. Because we were once unable to fathom this mystery of the dual consciousness, we supposed that the mind of man was capable of but one method of manifestation. This supposition, however, did not make this circumstance a fact. This duality of mind was there, although we could not see it. It was because of our ignorance that we were blind to its existence.

It is in just this manner that, little by little, man has awakened to a deeper and truer appreciation of the nature of the laws that God has formulated for the government of human affairs, and there is no principle taught in the Science of Numbers that to any degree contradicts, or opposes any recognized manifestation of divine law. To the contrary, every psychic law that is discovered only tends to emphasize more fully the importance of the Science of Numbers, and the necessity of taking advantage of the opportunities it offers to put ourselves more fully into harmony with the vibrations that shape the course of human experiences.

For example, the fact that man’s health, happiness, and success are matters that are largely dependent upon the action of the subjective, or subconscious mind, and not, as so long was believed, upon the objective faculties alone, presents a strong argument in support of the study and practical application of the Science of Numbers. Important as the part of the subconscious mind may be, it is not capable, unaided, of maintaining the highest mental equilibrium. Thus, if the objective mind is given too free a rein, and is permitted to deluge the subjective mind with unhealthful, unhappy, and unsuccessful thoughts, it is inevitable that the latter will at last succumb to the attacks upon it, and disasters of some sort follow.

It is true that a man’s life and character are largely Influenced by his thoughts—as he thinks, so he is—and yet it is just as true that a man’s thoughts are materially influenced by the conditions of his life. If he is happy, and healthful, and successful in all that he undertakes; or, in other words, if his life runs smoothly along absolutely harmonious lines, it requires no effort upon his part to mould his thoughts correspondingly.

This, then, Is the great mission of the Science of Numbers. By a study of its principles, and by the practical application of these principles in all the affairs of daily experience, the course of man’s life is brought into a condition of harmony that could be possible under no other circumstances. To be in tune with the laws of life is to live harmoniously. To live harmoniously means more health, more happiness, and more success than may be attained in any other way.

In opening the door to this study of the Science of Numbers, however, and before inviting the student to enter, it seems necessary to call his attention to one or two facts. First, in studying the Science of Numbers, as in studying any other science or philosophy that is grounded upon psychic truth, it is well to remember that success or failure in such researches is often a question of the attitude of the individual mind. In other words, if the study is approached in a spirit of skepticism, or levity, the results will be but meagre, whereas, if undertaken in the spirit of truth and faith, or through love for, and faith in the beneficent influence of the divine principle of truth, the reward will be great beyond the most sanguine expectations.

It must also be suggested that, to attain the best results, it is frequently advisable for the student to attach himself to sympathetic associates. Environment counts for much in all we do, or attempt to do, while thought, and especially the thoughts of others are strong factors in the production of the most favorable environment. It is earnestly hoped, therefore, that whatever of interest or of advantage the student may find in this study, he will share with others, and that he will use every endeavor to acquaint his friends with the vital truths that are now to be imparted.

“According to thy Faith be it unto thee.”

Chapter 2

CHAPTER II. THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS

To comprehend the apparently mysterious operation of the Science of Numbers, and its effect upon the health, happiness, and success of the individual, the student must first master the table that follows, for the very cornerstone of the Science rests upon the relationship which exists between the numbers, and the letters of the alphabet. Until this fact is comprehended, no good results can be obtained, no practical application of the Science can be made. It is best, therefore, that this table should be memorized so thoroughly that the arrangement of the figures and letters will stand, like a familiar picture, before the mind’s eye, that there may be no hesitation in placing the letters in their proper vibration, or in fitting them to their corresponding numbers.

FIRST TABLE

Single Vibration | Double Vibration | Treble Vibration

1 A. | 10 J. | 100 S.

2 B. | 20 K. | 200 T.

3 C. | 30 L. | 300 U.

4 D. | 40 M. | 400 V.

5 E. | 50 N. | 500 W.

6 F. | 60 O. | 600 X.

7 G. | 70 P. | 700 Y.

8 H. | 80 Q. | 800 Z.

9 I. | 90 R.

From this it will be seen that the twenty-six letters of the alphabet must be arranged in three columns, each representing a different strength of vibration. Thus, while the “0,” or cipher, which indicates this strength of vibratory force, must be considered in reading the effect of the letters upon the name of the individual, the ciphers are not counted in the enumeration by which the student arrives at the final symbol, or number of the name. In other words, while “J” will exert a greater force in the shaping of events and character than “A,” and “S” will be still more forceful than “J,” none of these facts affect the mathematical calculation by which the NAME NUMBER is determined. At the same time, as will be seen as step by step the fundamental principles of the Science are unfolded, the facts concerning this difference in vibrations must be remembered, that the proper degree of force may be given to each letter in the readings that are to come later.

Moreover, in beginning the study of the Science of Numbers it is best that only the given name should be counted. In the play of vibrations it is the given name that is the great positive force, and, while it is true that the surname has some effect in shaping the vibrations of the BIRTH NUMBER, or the negative force, its influence is of such character that it is never taken into account until the student has become a thorough master of the first principles of the Science. In the study of arithmetic, for example, a child is compelled to learn all the rules governing addition, subtraction, etc., before he can begin to comprehend the law of fractions, and he must complete his acquaintance with all the ordinary arithmatical problems before he can be introduced to the study of algebra, and the higher fields of mathematics. In the Science of Numbers, the same rule must be applied; for it is not until a student has attained full comprehension of the introductory laws that govern names and numbers that he can hope to understand the more intricate vibrations that exert their influence upon the course of human events. It is to avoid such unnecessary complications, therefore, that these facts have been omitted in this introductory course.

Therefore, to ascertain the NAME NUMBER, write down the numerical value of each letter composing the first, or given name, omitting all the “0s” or ciphers. Then, add these numbers together. Thus, to use the name “Anna Smith” as an example:

As the surname, “Smith,” has no bearing according to present calculations, it is promptly excluded. In the given name, “Anna,” the “A” counts 1; each of the “Ns,” count 5, and the final “A” also counts 1. this gives:

A | N | N | A

1 | + | 5 | + | 5 | + | 1 | = | 12

but as 12 is too high a number to come within the scope of any one of the three vibrations, the two figures must be added:

and we have the figure 3, which is the NAME NUMBER of “Anna.”

The NAME NUMBER, as will be shown later, exerts a most powerful influence in shaping the life of every individual, but the character of the influence exerted, or the nature of the vibrations, depends largely upon the degree of harmony which may exist between the NAME NUMBER and the BIRTH NUMBER, the latter being the day of the individual’s birth.

To ascertain to what degree these two numbers are harmonious or inharmonious, the nine lines of letters and numbers shown in the First Table have been divided into three distinct classes, designated. for the sake of convenience, the “Triads.” Thus:

The first, fifth, and seventh lines compose the First Triad.

The second, fourth and eighth lines compose the Second Triad.

The third, sixth and ninth lines compose the Third Triad.

In other words, A, J, and S, or the letters in the first line (1, 10, and 100) are in harmony with E, N, and W—the letters in the fifth line—as well as with G, P, and Y—the letters in the seventh line. Therefore, any letter that possesses a numerical value of 1, 5, or 7, is in harmony with every other letter that is repre by one of these numbers, but bears an inharmonious relation to letters represented by the other numbers in the table.

One of the most important factors in the application of the Science of Numbers, however, is the degree of agreement between the number representing the NAME and the number symbolizing the BIRTH. That is to say, the number which represents the value of the letters in a person’s given name ought to be in harmony with the BIRTH NUMBER, or the day of the month upon which that person was born. If this number should be 9, or less, it requires no calculation to find it. If, on the other hand, it is composed of two numbers, these two figures must be added, as was done in the case of the NAME NUMBER. Thus, If Anna Smith was born on the first day of the month, we have the figure 1 as her BIRTH NUMBER. If, however, she was born on the fourteenth day of the month, we have the figures

and 5 is the BIRTH NUMBER. If the birthday had been the twenty-eighth of the month, we should have had the figures

or, as the cipher counts for nothing,

and 1 would have been the BIRTH NUMber.

To ascertain if the NAME NUMBER and the BIRTH NUMBER are in harmony, therefore, we must first find the two numbers. As an example, take the name of John Jones, born on July 26. We thus have:

J | O | H | N | (Jones), or

1 | + | 6 | + | 8 | + | 5 | = | 20 | = | 2,

and the NAME NUMBER is 2.

The BIRTH NUMBER, or 26, makes

and the BIRTH NUMBER is 8.

By comparison with the table presented above it will be seen, that the second, fourth, and eighth lines are in in the same Triad, or are in the Triad of 2–4–8. Accordingly, the NAME NUMBER, 2, is found to be in concord with the BIRTH NUMBER, or 8. Thus, we see that the two numbers possess a harmonious relation.

If we had taken the case of Anna Smith—supposing her to have been born on the first of the month—the result would have indicated discord rather than harmony. Thus, the problem would then have stood:

A | N | N | A | (Smith), or

1 | + | 5 | + | 5 | + | 1 | = | 12 | = | 3

The figure 3 belongs to the Triad of 3–6–9. The BIRTH NUMBER, or 1, belongs to the Triad of 1–5–7. Between the two numbers there would be inharmonious vibrations.

Chapter 3

CHAPTER III. THE TRIADS AND THEIR EFFECT

In the application of the Science of Numbers the importance of the Triads is a matter that cannot be overestimated. While it is true that the NAME NUMBER usually rules in the experience of life, it does not control to such an extent as to make it independent of the BIRTH NUMBER. In this regard the law of harmony is not unlike the law of attraction. Through the operation of the latter, like attracts like; by the operation of the former, like works in harmony with like. When this condition of concord does not exist, however, the influence exerted upon the thoughts and acts of the individual is always discordant. As the natural result, failure follows instead of success; sickness comes in the place of health; troubles and sorrows rather than peace and happiness.

So far as the individual influences of the two vital numbers are concerned, the NAME NUMBER asserts itself chiefly in the general affairs of life. We feel its power in all our social, domestic, and business relations. The BIRTH NUMBER, on the other hand, acts more directly upon the body, affecting the health of the individual according to the position that it occupies in relation to the NAME NUMBER, and yet, as perfect success or happiness are impossible without health—the three qualities combining to complete the vital trinity—the importance of bringing the two numbers into the closest possible harmony is a fact that must be recognized. Thus, we know, by reference to our own experiences, that we cannot be ill in body and at the same time genuinely happy. We know. too, that we do our best work when in good health, and that any attack upon our strength and vitality has an immediate and appreciable effect upon our mental and physical energies. To make the most out of life, therefore, it is absolutely necessary that the NAME NUMBER and BIRTH NUMBER should be in harmony.

It will be remembered that the letters of the alphabet are classified according to three degrees of vibration, and that, while each letter has a corresponding number, these numbers do not go beyond the ninth dimension, while these nine dimensions (shown in the First Table) also exert an effect upon the several parts of the body, as follows:

SECOND TABLE

Numbers | | | Parts of Body

1, 10, and 100 | Head

2, 20, and 200 | Kidneys

3, 30, and 300 | Liver

4, 40, and 400 | Intestines

5, 50, and 500 | Stomach

6, 60, and 600 | Mental Organism

7, 70, and 700 | Heart

8, 80, and 800 | Generative Organs

9 and 90 | Nervous Organism

Thus, to arrange these numbers in the form of the Triads:

The Triad of 1–5–7 governs the upper part of the body;

The Triad of 2–4–8 controls the lower part of the body; and

The Triad of 3–6–9 exercises a control over the liver, as well as the mental and nervous system.

Of course, it does not necessarily follow that, because the NAME AND BIRTH NUMBERS are inharmonious, the individual who is subject to such conditions must suffer from continued poor health. If the vibrations of the NAME NUMBER are very strong, and other conditions (to be explained later) are harmonious, sickness may be avoided for a long period. In fact, it is possible, even under these conditions, that an individual may become abnormally healthy. He may remain so for years, whereas other persons in a similar position might suffer constantly from poor health. In any case, however, this opposition between the vital numbers would tend to produce equally inharmonious conditions in the particular portion of the body governed by the BIRTH NUMBER, and sickness, when it came, would naturally go to these points of least resistence.

Moreover, as may be imagined, these combinations of numbers known as the Triads also prove most helpful in adjusting many other affairs of life. Thus, if it is true, as experience indicates, that a name is actually something more than a mere mark of identification, it is wrong to leave the selection of that name to chance. If it is true that this name is really a strong vital force that may be made to work towards the harmonious fulfillment of the life of the person or thing bearing it, it is certainly our duty to see to it that the name given to a new born babe; to a new firm, or business venture; to a new invention, or to any other newly created thing, shall be as harmonious as possible.

It is in this particular that the Science of Numbers may be made to assert a powerful influence upon the life of every individual who will abide by its principles, for, by the relation between the two vital numbers—the number of the NAME and the number of the BIRTH—it becomes possible for each person determine his best lines of occupation; the best location for his business, or residence; the selection of his companions, friends, or business associates; the naming of articles to be produced for sale; the prices to be demanded for them; the method of sale, and in fact, almost every other consequential step that he may be required to take.

For example, knowing his own NAME and BIRTH NUMBERS, he always has the privilege of bringing them into harmony, not only with each other, but with the numbers of other persons and things that may come into his life. To accomplish this result, it is merely necessary for him to change the discordant name to one that stands in more proper relation to those to which he has been opposed.

To illustrate how easily this may be done, we may take the name of “Anna,” used in the preceding chapter, for it will be remembered that this name bore an inharmonious relation to its BIRTH NUMBER, which was given as the first day of the month, or 1. As the BIRTH NUMBER, or the day of birth, was a matter over which “Anna” could exercise no control, it was obviously impossible for her to change it. At the same time, she could change her NAME NUMBER, and, to do this, she had only to select, as another name, a combination of letters standing in more harmonious relation to the date of her birth.

The name “Anna” counts 12, or, after the necessary addition of the two numbers, 3. This places her in the Triad of 3–6–9, whereas the date of her birth (1), is in the Triad of 1–5–7. To correct this discord, and put herself in line for all the blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity, she is obliged to select her new name from those that have a place in the birth Triad.

One name that she might select—for there are many names that possess the proper numerical valuation—is Eleanor. Thus, the problem would then stand:

E | L | E | A | N | O | R

5 | + | 3 | + | 5 | + | 1 | + | 5 | + | 6 | + | 9 | = | 34 | = | 7

The figure 7, the mystic valuation of the name “Eleanor,” is in perfect concord with 1, the BIRTH NUMBER of the individual who had been known as “Anna,” both numbers being in the Triad of 1–5–7.

FORTUNATE DAYS, MONTHS, AND YEARS

Another influence of the Triads that may be turned to considerable advantage in all the affairs of life may be found in their effect upon the months and the days of the month, for there are harmonious and inharmonious, or fortunate and unfor days, just as there are numbers that are in concord and numbers that are in discord with the particular vibration in which we have our being.

To find these harmonious months and days—the days and months which exert an influence in shaping the course of life successfully—it is only necessary to consult the following tables:

THIRD TABLE

|Triads | |Harmonious Months

1–5–7 | January, May, July, and October.

2–4–8 | February, April, August, and November.

3–6–9 | March, July, September, and December.

The list of harmonious days follow:

FOURTH TABLE

|Triad of 1–5–7 | |Triad of 2–4–8 | |Triad of 3–6–9

{| | 1 | 5 | 7

10 | 14 | 16

19 | 23 | 25

28

|

2 | 4 | 8

11 | 13 | 17

20 | 22 | 25

29 | 31

|

3 | 6 | 9

12 | 15 | 18

21 | 24 | 27

30

|} Thus, in beginning new things, or in undertaking important enterprises, we must be careful to bring our material in into harmonious vibration with our fortunate days, months, and years. In the effect, the days exert greater force than the months; the months are more important than the years, while the latter influence general conditions more than particular events.

The fortunate years for an individual are those that may be divided by the BIRTH NUMBER; the unfortunate years are those that are not so divisable. Thus, 1908 ts a harmonious year for any person who is in the Triad of 3–6–9, because

The number 18 contains two 9s, and 9 is the Capstone (See Chap. IV.) of the Triad of 3–6–9. It is also divisable by either 3, 6, or 9.

Chapter 4

CHAPTER IV. PERFECT AND IMPERFECT NAMES

In selecting a name that will harmonize with the vibrations that tend towards success, happiness, and health, we must bring both the NAME NUMBER and the BIRTH NUMBER into complete concord with one of the three Triads. While the NAME NUMBER rules, standing, as it does, as the great positive force, or, as the most powerful spiritual energy in the shaping of material things, the influence of the BIRTH NUMBER, or the great negative force, is too important a factor in life to be carelessly disregarded.

In spite of the importance of these factors, however, it is by no means sufficient that they alone should be in harmony. To complete, or perfect the name, we must give due regard to three other controlling forces. These are the “Cornerstone,” the “Keystone,” and the “Capstone.”

To define these terms in the simplest manner possible:

The Cornerstone in a name is its first, or initial letter.

The Keystone in a name is the middle letter.

The Capstone in a name is its final letter.

In the selection of a perfect name, therefore, these three forces must be taken into consideration. Thus, more than ordinary care should be exerted in the choice of the Cornerstone, for the influence of this force will be felt throughout the entire life of the individual, or object, under its vibrations. If it is in opposition to the Triad in which the BIRTH NUMBER has its place, it is certain to interfere seriously with the successful culmination of every undertaking over which that discordant number can assert an influence. The Keystone, as its name implies, bears the weight of the arch, and should, therefore, be a strong Material letter, while the Capstone, as the finishing, or completing force, holds the fulfillment of all the possibilities of the name.

The Cornerstone, Keystone, and Capstone apply to the first, second, and third degrees of each number, and respectively to the numbers in each Triad, as shown by the following tables, the first of which indicates their application to the Triads:

FIFTH TABLE

Cornerstone | Keystone | Capstone

1 | 5 | 7

2 | 4 | 8

3 | 6 | 9

Thus, 1 is the Cornerstone; 5, the Keystone; and 7, the Capstone, of the Triad of 1–5–7.

In regard to the letters and their respective numbers, the application is as follows:

SIXTH TABLE

| Cornerstone | | Keystone | | Capstone

1, or A | 10, or J | 100, or S.