The (almost really) Complete Works of Lewis Carroll

for Numbers

Each digit is represented by one or other of two consonants, according to the above table: vowels are then inserted ad libitum to form words, the significant consonants being always at the end of a line: the object of the is to give the important words the best chance of being, by means of the rhyme, remembered accurately.

The consonants have been chosen for the following reasons.
(1) b, c, first two consonants.
(2) d from “deux”; w from “two”
(3) t from “trois”; j was the last consonant left unappropriated.
(4) f from “four”; qu from “quatre.”
(5) l = 50; v = 5.
(6) s, x, from “six.”
(7) p, m, from “septem.”
(8) h from “huit”; k from ὀκτώ.
(9) n from “nine”; g from its shape.
(0) z, r, from “zero.”

They were also assigned in accordance, as far as possible, with the rules of giving to each digit one consonant in common use, and one rare one.

Since y is reckoned as a vowel, many whole words, (such as “ye,” “you,” “eye”), may be put in to make sense, without interferring with the significant letters.

Take as an example of this system the two dates of “Israelites leave Egypt—1495,” and “Israelites enter Canaan—1455”:—