9.

amithun = another.
But it would be childish to argue, from this fact alone, that either 4 or 8 was the number base used.
In a recent antiquarian work of considerable interest, the author examines into the question of a former octonary system of counting among the various races of the world, particularly those of Asia, and brings to light much curious and entertaining material respecting the use of this number.

Its use and importance in China, India, and central Asia, as well as among some of the islands of the Pacific, and in Central America, leads him to the conclusion that there was a time, long before the beginning of recorded history, when 8 was the common number base of the world.

But his conclusion has no basis in his own material even.

The argument cannot be examined here, but any one who cares to investigate it can find there an excellent illustration of the fact that a pet theory may take complete possession of its originator, and reduce him finally to a state of infantile subjugation.[224] Of all numbers upon which a system could be based, 12 seems to combine in itself the greatest number of advantages.