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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—C

Climacteric

It was once believed that 7 and 9, with their multiples, were critical points in life; and 63, which is produced by multiplying 7 and 9 together, was termed the Grand Climacteric, which few persons succeeded in outliving.

“There are two years, the seventh and the ninth, that commonly bring great changes in a man's life, and great dangers; wherefore 63, that contains both these numbers multiplied together, comes not without heaps of dangers.” —Levinus Lemnius.

Climacteric Years

are seventh and ninth, with their multiples by the odd numbers 3, 5, 7, 9- viz. 7, 9, 21, 27, 35, 45, 49, 63, and 81, over which astrologers supposed Saturn, the malevolent planet, presided. Hippocrates recognises these periods. (See Nine)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Climax

Clifford