The proof, therefore, that the theory advanced in regard to the order and
the plan of the series is correct seems to be conclusive. This probably
would have been conceded without the repeated additions given, but these
were deemed necessary because of several irregularities found in that
portion running through Plates 53_a_-58_a_, which constitutes the first
half of the series.

Turning back to our Table VIII, representing that part of the series on
Plate 53_a_, we will consider the three lines of black numerals above the
day columns, discussing the irregularities as we proceed.

The numbers in the first column are 7/17,[TN-6] or, according to the
explanation given, 7 months and 17 days. There is apparently a mistake
here, the correct numbers being 8 months and 17 days, as it is the usual
custom of the codex to commence numeral series with the prevailing
interval; moreover this correction, which has also been made by Dr.
Foerstemann, is necessary in order to connect rightly with what follows;
the counters under this first column require this correction, as they are
8 months, 17 days. Making this change we proceed with the addition.

Years. Months. Days.
8 17 First column, Plate 53_a_ (corrected).
8 17
-- --
17 14 Second column. Plate 53_a_.

Here the author of the codex has made another mistake or varied from the
plan of the series. As several similar variations or errors occur in this
part of the series, it will be as well to discuss the point here as
elsewhere. Dr. Foerstemann, in discussing the series, takes it for granted
that these variations are errors of the aboriginal scribe; he remarks
that "It is seen here that the writer has corrected several of his
mistakes by compensation. For instance, the two first differences should
be 177 [8 months, 17 days] and 148 [7 months, 8 days], not 176 and 149,"
&c.

This is a strained hypothesis which I hesitate to adopt so long as any
other solution of the difficulty can be found. It is more likely that the
writer would have corrected his mistakes, if observed, than that he would
compensate them by corresponding errors.

Going back to that part of the series in the lower divisions which has
already been examined and commencing with Plate 51_b_ (see Table VI), we
observe that the numbers in the lowest of the three lines of black
numerals, immediately over the day columns, and the f