AHA!

[kaitou]

Ok, before I post more about Japan...

Remember when I was trying to figure out why watches have IIII instead of IV?

Well, HA.

Now, I realize it doesn't actually clear anything up, but at least I know that I'm not the only one that sat down and thought about it.

Comments

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

XDD I think I remember discussing this in math class when we did Roman numerals. Don't ask me why we did Roman numerals in math class. Seems like more of a history subject, but there you go.

[m-steelgrave.livejournal.com]

I've often wondered this, myself. The subtractive notation thing doesn't hold much water for me, though, because even when there's a IIII, there is still a IX. I don't think any clocks have VIIII. The symmetry idea is just dumb enough to make historical sense. :)

[mewsrissicat.livejournal.com]

(Hope your energy levels recover soon!)

I'm such a DULL person. XD
I never worried much about it, I tend to live in the here and now more than most. But the theorizing around it is fascinating, I will admit.