Character

used in the arithmetic of infinites, are dots over letters, denoting the character of an infinitesimal, or fluxion. Thus the first fluxions of x, y, z, being marked thus, . x, . y, . z; the second are .. x, .. y, .. z, and the third .: x, :. y, :. z. Geographical Characters , are °, ′, ″, ‴ . which signify degrees, minutes, seconds, thirds. Thus 40°, 55′, 18″, 55‴, is read 40 degrees, 35 minutes, 18 seconds, 55 thirds. It is also used in the elevation of pieces of artillery. Characters. See Gunpowder .