Numerology

Numerology is any belief in either a divine, mystical or metaphysical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events.  It is also the study of the numerical value of the letters in words, names and ideas. It is often associated with the paranormal, alongside astrology and similar divinatory arts.  Bell, a well-known mathematician, became interested in numerology during a casual conversation, and wrote this book to answer the following question:  “Is there more science in numerology than there is numerology in science?

Author’s Note:

A little over a year ago, the lady who used to sweep out the living room occasionally, asked if she might turn on the radio. She said she was anxious not to miss Swami Something-or-another’s Half Hour with the Numbers and the Stars. She should have been home hours ago anyway, and would I mind? I told her she might stand on her head if she liked, as I was going to take a bath behind two locked doors. She turned the infernal thing on full blast.

At first I tried not to listen to the devastating barrage of “Numerology, the Science of Number, Life and Truth” crashing through both doors and drowning the roar of two faucets turned on full. Then, as the delightful heat of the water began to get in its work, I found myself slipping into the mood of the snooty musical critic who had been asked to report a recital of modern music for his newspaper. At first hostile and amazed, he had gradually relaxed to the danger point. Realizing that he was about to be deboshed forever, he leapt to his feet, shouting “Let me out of here before I begin to like the damned stuff!” For obvious reasons I could not dash out and turn off the radio. Hence my passion for numerology. The sweeping lady mothered my passion, but I certainly was not its father. It just came.

Since then I have followed numerology about everywhere like a lover. Making my living as I do in a scientific institute, and living within a stonesthrow of Hollywood, I have had unique opportunities for trailing the loved one. Some of my colleagues (I hope they will be un-numerological enough to continue letting me work in their giveand-take fellowship) are numerologically hardboiled; others are as tender as raw eggs. The like holds for the distinguished scientists from abroad who honor us from time to time with their lectures.

I have often wondered just how much some of these famous men believe Americans can swallow and digest. In fact that wonder was a contributing cause to my present delinquency. Many Americans will gladly admit their lack of “culture,” but how many will confess to being suckers? Few are, as a matter of fact; most are just incurably polite. My little jaunt into numerology was undertaken to answer the following question. Is there more science in numerology than there is numerology in science? I have given enough on both sides of the question to enable any reader to settle it according to his own liking.

Contents:

• Through Hollywood to Science
• Numbers and Marriage
• Recurrent Nightmares
• 500 B.C
• In the Beginning
• Ancient and Modern
• Sacred and Profane Numerology
• A Great Dream
• Ulysses

Numerology By Eric T. Bell pdf