CIPHER

, or Cypher, one of the numeral characters, or sigures, thus formed 0. The word comes from the Hebrew saphar, to number.

The cipher of itself fignifies nothing, or implies a privation of value; but when combined with other numeral characters, it alters their value in a tenfold proportion, for every cipher so annexed; viz, when set after a figure in common integral arithmetic, it increases its value in that proportion, though it has no effect when set before or to the left hand side of figures; but on the contrary, in decimal arithmetic, it decreases their value in that proportion when set before the figures, but has no effect when set after them.

Thus,	5	is five,
but	50	is fifty,
and	500	is five hundred;

whereas 05, or 005, &c, is still but 5 or five.

Also	.5	is five tenths,
but	.05	is five hundredths,
and	.005	is five thousandths;

whereas .50, or .500, &c, is still but .5 or five tenths.

The invention and use of the cipher, as in the common arithmetic and notation of numbers, is one of the happiest devices that can be imagined; and is ascribed to the Indians, by the Arabians, through whom it came into Europe, along with the revival of literature.