Other numbers which have special virtues are the powers of 12, the perfect number [Footnote: I.e.

a number equal to the sum of all its factors.] 496, and various others.
He gives many examples to prove that these mystic numbers determine the durations of empires and underlie historical chronology.

For instance, the duration of the oriental monarchies from Ninus to the Conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great was 1728 (= 12 cubed) years.

He gives the Roman republic from the foundation of Rome to the battle of Actium 729 (=9 cubed) years.

[Footnote: Methodus, cap.v.pp.265 sqq.] 4.
From a believer in such a theory, which illustrates the limitations of men's outlook on the world in the Renaissance period, we could perhaps hardly expect a vision of Progress.