> [!cite] > Taylor, Thomas. *The Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans*. London: J. Valpy, 1816. Reprinted by Samuel Wesier, 1872. [https://archive.org/embed/theoreticarithme0000tayl](https://archive.org/embed/theoreticarithme0000tayl). NB. citations refer to the 1972 edition. --- ‘Impecuniousness was termed by an ancient philosopher “the disease of the wise”.’ [[Taylor, Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans, 1816|(Taylor 1816, vi; Manly P. Hall, ‘Introduction’)]] ^422f94 ‘Numerology as it is practiced today derives its premise from a short statement of Iamblichus to the effect that Pythagoras perfected a system of divination by numbers, based upon the secret traditions which had descended from Orpheus.’ [[Taylor, Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans, 1816|(Taylor 1816, viii; Manly P. Hall, ‘Introduction’)]] ^130366 ‘It should not be inferred, however … that Pythagoras actually invented numerology. The use of numbers for symbolical and divinatory purposes was common to nearly all ancient religious systems. Well developed systems of numerology are to be found in the older writings of the Chinese, Hindus, Egyptians, and Jews. Numerical cabbalism is usually found closely associated with astrology and magic.’ [[Taylor, Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans, 1816|(Taylor 1816, viii; Manly P. Hall, ‘Introduction’)]] ^c1ecc7 ‘Perfect numbers therefore, are beautiful images of the virtues which are certain media between excess and defect, and are not summits, as by some of the ancients they were supposed to be.’ [[Taylor, Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans, 1816|(Taylor 1816, 30)]] ^699866 ‘Again, the menstrual purgations in women are for the most part supplied in seven days ; and the infant in the womb is naturally adapted to be animated in seven months, as an event most paradoxical. For offspring that are born in the seventh month live; but those that are born in the eighth month for most part die.’ [[Taylor, Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans, 1816|(Taylor 1816, 229)]] ^b6e968 ‘The ancient physicians likewise, as we learn from the the anonymous writer, observe, that seven hours prior to the birth the navel of the foetus is spontaneously separated from the mother; within which space of time the foetus is able to support life, without receiving any nutriment from the mother.’ \[Note: *footnotes originating from ‘Vid. Notas Bulliald. in Theon. Mathemat.*, p. 284.] [[Taylor, Theoretic Arithmetic of the Pythagoreans, 1816|(Taylor 1816, 231)]] ^80067f