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Reference.org
Tironian notes
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<p>Tironian notes are a form of thousands of signs that were formerly used in a system of <a href="/facts/Shorthand/LdCYfSu9">shorthand</a> (Tironian shorthand) dating from the 1st century BCE and named after <a href="/facts/Marcus_Tullius_Tiro/1v9B9X6I">Tiro</a>, a personal secretary to <a href="/facts/Marcus_Tullius_Cicero/A37U7jaN">Marcus Tullius Cicero</a>, who is often credited as their inventor. Tiro's system consisted of about 4,000 signs, extended to 5,000 signs by others. During the <a href="/facts/Medieval_period/RqzEKB9v">medieval period</a>, Tiro's notation system was taught in European monasteries and expanded to a total of about 13,000 signs. The use of Tironian notes lasted into the 17th century. A few Tironian signs are still used today. </p>