MadSci Network: Science History
Query:

Subject: Why do clock faces use Roman IIII not IV for the number four?

Date: Sun Jan 28 10:21:14 2001
Posted by Don
Grade level: nonaligned School: home
City: Mountain View State/Province: CA Country: US
Area of science: Science History
ID: 980695274.Sh
Message:

I collect Telechron electric clocks and have noticed this peculiar use of
Roman numerals. Even old European wind-up clocks from 1800's use the same
numerals. Some manufacturers of cheap battery clocks do not know about this
and mistakenly use IV.



Re: Why do clock faces use Roman IIII not IV for the number four?

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