WHY IIII, NOT IV?

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 19, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 12.

WHY IIII, NOT IV?

HAVE you ever wondered why the hour four is always represented on the dials of clocks and watches as IIII, and not IV? This is said to be due to a mistake of Charles V., of France, somewhat inappropriately surnamed “The Wise.” This is the story:—

When the first clock to keep accurate time was made, it was carried to Charles V., of France, by its maker, Henery Vick. The king looked at it and said:— “Yes, it works well, but you have got the figures on the dial wrong.” “I think not, your majesty,” said Vick. “Yes, that four should be four ones.” “Surely not, your majesty,” protested the clock-maker. “Yes, it should be four ones,” persisted the king. “You are wrong, your majesty.” “I am never wrong!” answered the king in anger. “Take it away and correct the mistake.” The clock-maker did as he was commanded, and so we have IIII, instead of IV, on the dials of our clocks.—Selected.