Arabic Numerals

I am not entitled to question either the learning or the "acumen" of the Bishop of Rochester; but I am entitled to question the *interpretation* which E. S. T. tells us (Vol. ii., p.27.) he puts upon the Castleacre inscription. My title to do so is this:—that in the year of grace 1084 the Arabic numerals were not only of necessity unknown to the "plaisterers" of those walls, but even (as far as evidence has been yet adduced) to the most learned of England's learned men. As to the regular order in crossing himself, that will entirely depend upon whether the plaister was considered to be a knigh…