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From: rte@elmo.lz.att.com (Ralph T. Edwards)
Subject: Re: Numbering system
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References: <3rn2gg$f39@due.unit.no> <3rpeue$5e7@dove.nist.gov> <3rpisb$nml@ss1.cam.nist.gov>
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 1995 22:14:18 GMT
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In article <3rpisb$nml@ss1.cam.nist.gov>, koontz@cam.nist.gov (John E
Koontz) wrote:

> In article <3rpeue$5e7@dove.nist.gov>, billf@osi.ncsl.nist.gov (Bill
Fisher) writes:
> |>  Since counting on the fingers is so common, you have to wonder
> |> about the people (?) that the Germans picked up the habit of counting
> |> by dozens from.  Is it just coincidence that having six fingers on
> |> each hand is a common genetic abnormality among the Basque, probably
> |> the aboriginal Europeans?
> 
> Counting systems aren't immutable, and the use of dozens in Germanic
> languages need not be due to any outside influence.  The convenience
> of coutning by twelves is that twelve divides easily by more factors
> than ten.  In finger counting systems with base twelve you use a 
> distinct configuration of one hand for six, and of both for twelve.

Or you can oppose the thumb to the inside of each finger section to count
to twelve on one hand.  I have no idea if this is actually done, however. 
Five would be middle of middle finger, twelve tip of litle finger.  Both
hands gets you to a gross.

> ----
> John E. Koontz (koontz@bldr.nist.gov)

-- 
R.T.Edwards rte@elmo.att.com 908 576-3031
