This was not the case with his ancestors, who had a curious notation, serving for the highest numbers.

The Indians of the present day use the old Aztec numerals, and from these there is something to be learnt.
Baron Humboldt, speaking of the Muysca Indians of South America, says that their word for eleven is _quihicha ata_, that is, "foot one;" meaning that they have counted all their fingers, and are beginning their toes.

He proceeds to compare the Persian words, _pentcha_, hand, and _pendj_, five, as being connected with one another, and gives various other curious instances of finger-numeration.

We may carry the theory further.

The Zulu language reckons from one up to five, and then goes on with _tatisitupe_ ("take the thumb"), meaning _six_; _tatukomba_ ("take the pointer," or forefinger), meaning _seven_, and so on.