# The Ancient Science of Numbers/Chapter 9

CHAPTER IX. THE SUPREME TEST.
It has been suggested that the best test of the efficiency of the Science of Numbers would be to apply its principles to events that are past, to circumstances that are unchangable. It is to meet this requirement of the critics, therefore, that the following readings are given. Some of the persons mentioned are dead; others are still alive, but, whether in life or gone before, all hold so prominent a place in the public memory that it will be easy to determine the degree of success that has been attained in these character delineations.
Of course, it is to be expected that certain skeptical persons will call attention to the fact that, being so prominently before the public, it was easy to read such characters correctly. To this assertion there can be but one reply. Had unknown, or comparatively unknown persons been selected, by no method could the reader have ​discovered whether or not the character had been correctly portrayed. In other words, it was absolutely necessary that easily recognizable subjects should be chosen that there might be no difficulty experienced in recognizing their predominent traits. Moreover, the strictest comparison may be made between the qualities indicated in these readings, and the characterists, or law of the letters, as described in Chapter VII.
It may also be added that the names presented below were choosen for one reason alone: because they indicated a diversity of achievements, and might reasonably be expected to present a corresponding diversity of characteristics. The result follows, and the student is asked respectfully to accept it upon honor as a thoroughly sincere attempt to apply the conditions of this supreme test in a somewhat detailed demonstration of the principles of the Science of Numbers.
The readings follow:
​GEORGE Washington: Name, 39, or 3. Birth, 22, or 4, (22 Feb. 1732).
The birth number, 22, would make one firm and fixed In his opinions, strong in his friendships, and square in his dealings with men. The Name, 3, is universal in its nature, and would aim to do a work for the general good, although, owing to the effects of discordant vibrations, such work would not be particularly spiritual in its character. Of course, as may be seen, the two numbers, 3 and 4, are in strong opposition, and yet the effect of this condition would not be entirely unfortunate. Thus, for example, the 4 would keep the 3 from scattering, and would check the tendency to unseemly flights towards the clouds. Such a person would be a worker, not a dreamer. At the same time, the “Gs” would give a strongly philosophical turn to the mind, especially in the acceptance of whatever might come with perfect equinimity, while ​the 4 would tend to complete the plans that the 3 originated. The two middle letters of the name, the “O” and the “R,” would naturally bring inflexibility of purpose, and the compelling force that bends others to one’s will. The 5s or “Es” are so thoroughly out of harmony with both the name and the birth that they are readly recognized as the conditions that subjected George Washington to such great suffering through malignant plots, the quarrels of subordinates, and gross ingratitude.
ABRAHAM Lincoln: Name, 26, or 8. Birth, 12, or 3, (12 Feb. 1809).
A 3 in birth indicates a strong social nature, a good talker, the lover of humanity, a leader of men. Such an individual would have to be engaged in a work of wide-spread influence, or, otherwise, he would not be happy. A name that is 8 through 26 would indicate intensity in feeling, world love, and high ​aspirations. The two numbers, while not in harmony, work in the same direction so far as the brotherhood of man is concerned. The three “As” in the name show a life of great beginnings and numerous important changes, as each “A” comes before a letter that is out of harmony with the birth. The Capstone, “M,” is a burden bearer. Standing in the attitude of finality, and being in such strong opposition to the birth, or 3, it is quite in accord with the law of this Science that the life should have ended so unfortunately at the period when Abraham Lincoln was under the influence of the discordant “M” Cycle.
THEODORE Roosevelt: Name, 45, or 9. Birth, 27, or 9, (27 Oct. 1858).
The birth number, 9 is strong in will, chafing under dictation, and carrying great undertakings to the point of completion through confidence in itself. The name, being another 9, creates an Octave with the 9 of birth, thus ​intensifying every trait of character. The cornerstone, “T,” would have the effect of emphasing the dictatorial side of the nature, and would impel the person influenced by it to strive to dominate every situation. The friendly letters in the name, or the “Os,” would bring the qualities of steadfastness, loyalty to friends, and literary ability. The fact that one was a double 9 would tend to explain any exhibitions of intense nervousness, or unusual activity.
HORACE Greeley: Name, 32, or 5. Birth, 3, (3 Feb. 1811).
The birth number of Horace Greeley differs from that of Abraham Lincoln in that this 3 is in the first degree, while that of Lincoln was in the second degree. As 3 is a spiritual number, it is not particularly interested in material things. It does not help to accumulate or save money, but seeks more to perform a work of wide influence, regardless of personal ​benefits. It belongs to the intellectual vibration, would naturally engage in literary pursuits, and is generally extremely philanthropic. In this case, the name is out of harmony with the birth, being a 5 through 32, as opposed to the 3. This would make a very energetic worker. It is particularly a surgical vibration, indicating the ability to take apart and reconstruct with coolness and poise. As the Cornerstone, “H,” is not in harmony with either the birth or name numbers, though in sympathy with the work for humanity, it would bring most inharmonious vibrations into the life. At the same time, there are three letters in the name—“O,” “R,” and “C”—that are most helpful. The “O” and the “R” tend to literary work, while the law of the “C” would be towards expansion and wider influence when under that Cycle. The return to the Cycle of “H,” or the beginning of the fifty-fifth year, however, would bring new and more unsympathetic conditions, these ​being sufficiently strong to explain the great mental shock that followed his failure to realize his high aspirations. His death also occurred in the Cycle of “H.”
ROBERT G. Ingersoll: Name, 33, or 6. Birth, 11, or 2, (11 Aug. 1833).
The birth, 2, is a number of extremes—in mental conditions and in fortune. Intensity of nature controls, and all heights of attainment are possible to one who is a 2 through 11. In name, a 6 through 33 has a very high rate of vibration. Such a person is an idealist, a dreamer, seldom works for self benefit, and is intuitional in arriving at conclusions. It would lead one to philanthropic work, and would help in the pursuits of literature and oratory. While the name and birth numbers are not in harmony, they are sympathetic, and both hold some of the same characteristics, like sensitiveness and self-reliance, with tendencies to extremes. ​The Cornerstone, “R,” indicates the writer; the orator; the man with a message, and the power to express it. As a living letter it influences the entire name.
ANDREW Carnegie: Name, 29, or 2. Birth, 25, or 7, (25 Nov. 1837).
A 7 as a birth number, indicates a strong completing nature. Such a person cannot and should not take advice from others, but should occupy the position of authority, as he is a law unto himself. It also indicates long and healthful life. The name, or 2 through 11, while not in harmony, is sympathetic with the 7, and intensifies its spiritual characteristics. Both 7 and 11 (2) are spiritual numbers, bringing aspirations for the betterment of humanity. The Cornerstone, “A,” being in harmony with the birth number, tends to nullify the material influence of the “D.” The “A” also helps to bring about important changes, not only in the individual life of the bearer, but in the things in which ​he is most interested. The “N,” “E,” and “W,” stand for great material prosperity, and tireless industry, while the “R” is a still more beneficent influence, standing for realization. It was during the Cycle of “R” that Andrew Carnegie introduced Bessemer steel into the United States, and actually entered upon the most successful period of his financial career.
THOMAS A. Edison: Name, 22, or 4. Birth 11, or 2, (11 Feb. 1847).
The birth number, 2 through 11, would indicate one of extremely intense, determined, and versatile nature. It denotes extremes, however, both in mental and financial conditions. There is no possible height of attainment to which it cannot reach. The name is in harmony and the Cornerstone is favorable to the completion of anything undertaken. As in the birth number, there is practically no limit to powers of achievement in a 4 through 22. Such a person, however, ​would be original, probably to the point of eccentricity; would not endure dictation, and, through strong will and tremendous perseverance, would carry out all plans, regardless of opposition. At the same time he would be equally strong in the secretive qualities. It is the letter “H” that brings the creative, or inventive element into the name. The “O,” with its element of steadfastness and intellectual strength. would give the necessary steadying influence to this inventive ability. The “M” would exert a powerful effect in the establishment of suitable environment for work, while the “A” and “S” both stand for the beginning of new things.
ALFRED Tennyson: Name, 28, or 1. Birth, 6, (6 Aug. 1809).
The birth number, 6, combines to a marked degree, the qualities that would tend to make a great poet—a strong character, either up or down; the idealism of the dreamer; musical and artistic ​ability; strong intuitional force; great intellectuality; powerful imagination. The name number—1 through 28—while not in harmony, tended—as in the case of so many great men—to produce a character of tremendous force along particular lines. The Cornerstone, “A” (1), being in harmony with the name number, emphasized its characteristics, as it, too, stands for intellectuality, and for originality in beginnings. It will be noticed that, taking the letters separately. “L,” “F,” and “R” are all In harmony with the birth, while “A” and “E” are in harmony with the name. The remaining letter, “D,” would have the effect of producing poise and equilibrium, when appearing as the Capstone. Thus, it was at the beginning of the first Cycle of “F” that his literary career began, and it was in the second “F” Cycle that he was raised to the peerage. The “R” in the name is especially conducive to the literary ability. The “E” inspires love of humanity, ​leaning towards the mystic, and ease in the attraction of material comforts.
NAPOLEON Bonaparte: Name, 38, or 2. Birth, 15, or 6, (15 Aug. 1769).
A 6 through 15 by birth would naturally display a genius for system and order. It is both an intellectual and an intuitional number. It would be quite within its law that the bearer should be firmly set in his opinions; should persist in carrying undertakings to the point of completion, and should not recognize the meaning of the word “defeat.” When out of harmony such a person would probably be subject to attacks of alternate mental depression and exhileration. The name number, 2 through 38 and 11, is one of extremely intense vibrations, an influence that would be seen in extremes of conditions, both mental and otherwise. In other words, intensity of nature controls such a person—if not good, he is evil. There are no heights of attainment to which this 2 ​cannot reach, and there are no depths of iniquity to which it might not descend. At the same time, a 2 through 11 cannot afford to offend against divine law, for, despite the strength of the personal will, dire penalties are certain to follow the violations of the laws of right, justice, and love. In the case of Napoleon Bonaparte this is the intense condition in life, for not only is the 2 out of harmony with the birth number, 6, but there is not a single letter in the name that is in concord with the name symbol; or even in the Triad of 2–4–8. The Cornerstone, “N,” is in every respect a material letter, and, being in such direct opposition to the 2 through 11, would carry the undercurrent of its most undesirable qualities, including jealousy, hatred, spite, intrigue, etc. The “A” which follows would furnish the element of great change, for which Napoleon’s life was distinguished. It also provides the ability to plan and direct. The “P,” when in this position, would ​make one impatient at restriction, and would give aspirations to leadership, and originality, even to eccentricity. “O” duplicates the characteristics of the birth number, 6, while “L” brings the tendency towards breadth and expansion in many directions, executive ability and power in leadership. The tendency of “L” is to gather and retain material things, but, in this name, this quality would be opposed by the vibrations of the “E” that follows it. Thus, in the case of Napoleon, it was during the Cycle of “L” that he attained the height of his power. He began his decline towards the close of the Cycle, however, and the advent of the disintegrating effects of the “E” Cycle brought Waterloo, St. Helena, and death.
AUGUSTUS Thomas: Name 21, or 3. Birth 8, (8 Jan. 1859).
The law of 8 is to create, to complete, to fulfill. It is sympathetic, even to the extent of attracting the confidences ​of friends. It is sufficient unto itself; is introspective; is happy and confident in disposition; not easily convinced, nor subject to quick changes of opinion. In the name, the Triad of 3–6–9 holds the characteristics which would enable the bearer to excel as a speaker, or writer given to work capable of exerting a wide influence in the world. Such a person would probably be a good talker; a capable designer, and one able to exert considerable executive ability. The Cornerstone, “A,” would furnish the power of beginning many things, while the birth number, 8, would impel him to finish them. The “U” Intensifies all the characteristics of the name number, 3, asserting the same universal spirit, the same necessity for a multiplicity of interests. It would also give generously, though justly, asking recognition for all its kindnesses, with the loss of strength in the desire to give when such appreciation was withheld. It will be noticed that the “U” occurs three times ​in this name. This would tend to make the bearer extremely hopeful in temperament, or one not easily discouraged. If the discordant influence of the Cycle of the first “S” has been successfully withstood, such a person should enjoy uninterrupted good health until, at least, the sixty-third year. The Cycle of “G” would bring intensity to the power of completion; additional intellectuality, and a love for the study of the occult. The “T” is rich in intellectuality, but has no middle ground. It is righteous, or the contrary. Such a letter is apt to bring out the dictatorial qualities, or the strong desire to control others. “S,” the Capstone, like the Cornerstone, is a 1, although more intense in its degree of spirituality. To live the Cycle of “S” harmoniously, one must assume the position of love, peace, and benefaction towards all things.
​CHARLES Klein: Name, 30, or 3. Birth, 7, (7 Jan. 1867).
The birth number, 7, is both intellectual and philosophical, and stands for completion. It is difficult for a 7 to take advice; it should not occupy a subordinate position, owing to its strong aspirations to be at the top. It is a mystic number, frequently bringing the inclination for study along occult lines. The effect of 7 upon the heart makes the bearer strong in passions and sentiments; it also brings the love of artistic things; a drawing towards nature, and an interest in athletic sports. It is a number that often appears in the names of those who have succeeded in literary pursuits. The name, 3 through 30, represents a universal number, and it fails to meet its highest degree of demonstration unless provided with a multiplicity of interests, at least one of which should be of a kind to reach many persons. By nature a 3 should be ​intellectual, of artistic temperament, a good talker, and with strong social inclinations. The Cornerstone, “C,” is not in harmony with material things. It is a scattering letter, and does not lend itself readily to the work of accumulation. As the result, “C” finds it difficult to save much money, and this is especially liable to be the case when the birth is 7. It is also characteristic of both 7 and “C” that neither of them worry greatly over money losses. While their tendency is to make money easily, it is easily scattered. “C” stands for generosity, honesty, and conscientiousness in any labor undertaken. The “H” is very antagonistic to the 7, and would tend to bring a distinctively discordant note during the “’teens,” and early manhood. The Cycle of “A” would bring its element of change, and the beginning of new things. During the Cycle of the Keystone, “R,” all literary aspirations would be intensified, and literary labors would be brought to ​completion. It would also have the tendency of effecting a marked change in other things—in modes of thought, in associations, and in environment. “L” follows, with its beneficent influences, differing from “C” in that it can gather. It would also help to retain that which is accumulated. It intensifies the executive ability; instills the wisdom that uses forces wisely; and, being a Living Letter, neutralizes the effects of the discordant letter that follows.
While the writer recognizes the fact that, in some particulars at least, several of the readings do not seem to harmonize precisely with popular opinion respecting the characteristics of the persons described, he has no intention of apologizing for these apparent short-comings, or even attempting to explain them. The qualities delineated are those of the soul—those that come, whether we will to have them or not—under the law of the letter. ​Until popular opinion has succeeded in mastering the art of reading the soul, therefore, any effort to make the two harmonize more closely would be an absurd waste of mental energy.
THE END.