[As a rule, it is better not to use words _beginning_ with S, except to translate _decimals_ and _fractions_, and Date-words where a _doubt_ might otherwise arise (unless in a phrase like "To see Jiji," "delay a spy," &c.); and in case of the _decimals_, S, as the _initial_ letter, means (not 0, but) the decimal point. (1) If there is an integer followed by a decimal, two separate words are used; the decimal-word begins with S, thus: 945.51 = barley sold; 71.3412 = "good Samaritan." (2) If it is a decimal by itself, the S indicates the decimal point only; .01 = society; .02 = Susan; .94 = sparrow. (3) If it is a vulgar fraction, the words translating numerator and denominator begin with S, and the S's are not counted, the numerator-word coming first, and the denominator-word last; thus 5/12 = sell Satan.] As to Date-words, just _before_ the Christian Era you may use an initial S [or the vowel A, or any other vowel], as, Stir would mean 14 B.C. [Before Christ]; and, of course, Tower would mean 14 A.D. [for _Anno Domini_--in the year of our Lord]; Soar = 4 B.C., and Rue = 4 A.D. In a Date-word like Trial, to express 145 B.C., no doubt could arise; if the Pupil knows the contemporary history, he could not imagine it could be 290 later, or 145 A.D. If he fears he might not remember that it was B.C. he could remove all doubt by using the word Stroll, or any other word which translates 145 and begins with S. 1. Do we ever take any notice of a vowel? 2. Are there any words which do not have a figure value, and if so, what are they? 3. When do we use the letter "S" in dealing with decimals? 4. When does "S" indicate the decimal point? 5. When are two separate words used? 6. In such cases, with what does the decimal word begin? 7. In case of a vulgar fraction, what words begin with "S"? 8. Are the S's then counted? 9. Which word comes first? 10. How may we deal with date-words which express the time of events before the Christian Era? 11. After? For convenience of reference I now give the figure Alphabet tabulated. --------+----+---+---+---+---+--------+--------+---+---- 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 --------+----+---+---+---+---+--------+--------+---+---- S | t | n | m | r | l | sh | g^hard | f | b Z | th | | | | | j | k | v | p C^soft | d | | | | | ch | c^hard | | | | | | | | g^soft | q | | | | | | | | | ng | | --------+----+---+---+---+---+--------+--------+---+---- If the pupil has mastered the Figure Alphabet he will proceed with the greatest satisfaction and profit. If he has not mastered it, let him carefully review the foregoing pages of this chapter, and then he can advance with the assurance of meeting no difficulties.