A theory on the origin of Roman numerals proposes that the principal numbers can be stylized in terms of a square. It is speculated that the abacus or its equivalents, such as the counter or chequer-board, was used to count before the alphabet became common. (SW)

A review of the status of classical studies in France reveals a serious decline in enrollment in Greek classes. The essential problem in curricular planning is seen as the need to find an equilibrium between culture and technology since Latin is seen as the key to the culture of the Western world. Criticism of teaching methods and theory is…