But an example of its use was long sought for in vain among the primitive races of the world.

Humboldt, in commenting on the number systems of the various peoples he had visited during his travels, remarked that no race had ever used exclusively that best of bases, 12.

But it has recently been announced[226] that the discovery of such a tribe had actually been made, and that the Aphos of Benue, an African tribe, count to 12 by simple words, and then for 13 say 12-1, for 14, 12-2, etc.

This report has yet to be verified, but if true it will constitute a most interesting addition to anthropological knowledge..