Now there are two passages in Xenophon which seem to suit this view. They are not conclusive in themselves, but they give a valuable hint. In the first[273] it is stated that any one who knows his letters could say _how many_ letters there are in “Sokrates,” and in what order they occur. In the second,[274] in the course of an argument, two illustrations are used, in close connection with one another. The passage runs:――“Take the case of Letters. Suppose some one asks you how many letters there are in ‘Sokrates,’ and which are they?… Or take the case of Numbers. Suppose some one asks what is twice five?” These two quotations certainly make simple counting a part of learning letters, with which study the second passage also closely connects the multiplication table. It would seem that it was part of a spelling lesson to answer such questions as “How many letters in ‘Sokrates’?” Answer, “Eight.” “Where does R come?” Answer, “Fourth.” It may be noticed also that the symbols of the numerals in ancient Hellas were, with one or two exceptions, identical with the current alphabet. The games with cubic dice and knucklebones, to which the boys were much addicted, must also have needed some arithmetical skill. The natural conclusion is that simple arithmetic, with, probably, the weights and measures, and the outlines of the calendar, were taught by the letter-master: the practice of music by the music-master: while the theory of numbers, of astronomy, and of music were taught by the Sophists to μειράκια [meirakia]. Fives ------------------------------- | | | | | | Thousands | O | | ------------------------------- | | | | | | Hundreds | | O O O | ------------------------------- | | | | | | Tens | O | O O| ------------------------------- | | | | | | Units | O | O O O| -------------------------------