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Taylor - Theoretic Arithmetic.pdf - Platonic Philosophy

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With respect to the hexad, it is the first perfect number in<br />

energy, being equal to the sum of its parts. Hence, it after a<br />

manner comprehends in itself 3 which is prior to it, and is remarkable<br />

also for its perfection. For 2+2+2=6. The sum<br />

likewise of any three numbers that surpass each other by unity,<br />

may be divided by 3 or 6. The area also of the first rectangular<br />

triangle whose sides are commensurable is 6, as will be<br />

shown in the next chapter, On the hebdomad. For the sides of<br />

this triangle are 3, 4, and 5; by which numbers the Pythagoreans<br />

demonstrate as follows among other things, that the offspring<br />

of nine and seven months are vital, but not those of<br />

eight months. If 4 is multiplied by 5 the product is 20. Five<br />

also multiplied by itself is 25. The sum of these two numbers<br />

added together is 45; which sum being multiplied by the number<br />

of the space 6, produces 270. This number, if it is considered<br />

as so many days, and is reduced to months by dividing it<br />

by 30, will give 9 months. Again, if 5 is multiplied by 4 the<br />

product is 20, and the product of 5 by 3 is 15. But the sum<br />

of these two is 35; which sum multiplied by 6 the number of<br />

the triangular area produces 210. This number also being considered<br />

as so many days, and divided by 30, will be reduced to<br />

7 months." Farther still, if 5 is multiplied by 3 the product is<br />

15; and 5 multiplied by itself is 25. The sum of these two is<br />

40; and this multiplied by 6 is 240. But this divided by 30<br />

will be reduced to 8 months, when the number 240 is considered<br />

as days. The offspring however of 8 months are not vital,<br />

because 8 consists of the two odd numbers 5 and 3, which<br />

* It may also be shown as follows, that the tirnes of a vital birth depend on<br />

the hexad. Let 6 and 12 be taken, which are in a duple ratio, and let there also<br />

be assumed the two harmonic media 8 and 9. The sum of these four numbers is<br />

35, which multiplied by 6 produces 210, the time of scvcn months. Again, let 6<br />

and 18 be taken, which are in a triple ratio, and let the two harmonic media likewise,<br />

9 and 12, be assumed. The sum of these four is 45, which multiplied by 6<br />

exhibits the sum of 270 days, the time of nine months.

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