History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c7.s7.31

v1.c7.s7.31

There are on the other hand some considerations which make us suggest that the Egyptians borrowed the principles of the Hieratic and the Demotic systems from outside, and probably from India—a hypothesis which is not *a priori* impossible as it has been shown that the numeration system of the ancient Hindus based on nineteen signs might have been perfected about 1,000 B.C. It is known that the ancient Egyptian system employed only four signs, those for 1, 10, 20 and 100. Why should there be a sudden change from the old system to one containing nineteen signs cannot be adequately explained except on the hypothesis of foreign influence. Further, the cursive forms for the numbers 2, 3 and 4 are unsuited to the right to left Hieratic or Demotic script. Although these figures are connected with the earlier hieroglyphic and Phoenician figures, yet it is possible that the cursive combinations might have been formed to obtain the nineteen signs necessary for the new system, under the influence of a people with a left to right script. It may be, however, asserted that the hypothesis of an Indian origin of the Hieratic system is a mere suggestion. The two points noted above, by themselves, would not be enough, unless backed by other facts, to put forward a theory. It is expected that further discoveries will throw light on this point.