Summary
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1.
A simple method is described for obtaining a formal design of graphic symbols from the current Hindu-Arabic numerals.
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2.
This design has genital implications to West Europeans.
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3.
The psychosexual climate of post-feudal Europe has been such that general unawareness of this formal design might be expected.
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4.
Some observations by Freud are recalled in the light of which this design is of special interest.
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References
Smith, D. E., and Karpinski, L. C.: The Hindu-Arabic Numerals. Ginn and Co. Boston. 1911.
Hill, G. F.: The Development of Arabic Numerals in Europe. Clarendon Press, Oxford., 1915.
Ellis, H.: Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Sex in Relation to Society. Chapter V. F. A. Davis Company. Philadelphia 1925.
Frazer, Sir James G.: The Golden Bough. Chapter XLIX. The Macmillan Co. New York. 1940.
Chadwick, M.: The Psychological Effects of Menstruation. Nervous and Mental Disease Monograph Series, No. 56. New York. 1932.
Freud, S.: Leonardo da Vinci, A Study in Psychosexuality. Random House. New York. 1947.
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Guin, W. Numerals and the sexuality of scientific investigation. Psych Quar 23, 490–496 (1949). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568552
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568552