28 MARCH 1947, Page 17

THUMBS DOWN OR UP ?

Six,—I am afraid Janus is wrong. Thumbs down meant death. The alternative was Pollice conpresso favor indicabatur, i.e. approval (of the defeated gladiator) was shown by squeezing the thumb in the fist. This we have translated into "Thumbs up" and, if Janus will try it, I fancy he will fmd his thumb generally points upward.—Yours faithfully, Sexey's Hospital, Bruton, Somerset. I. H. ALDERSON.