A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 1 (of 6)Bryant, Jacob
Religion
A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 1 (of 6)
Bryant, Jacob
History, Ancient; Mythology
but of persons, have a manifest analogy. There is likewise a great
correspondence to be observed in terms of science; and in the titles, which
were of old bestowed upon magistrates and rulers. The same observation may
be extended even to plants, and minerals, as well as to animals; especially
to those which were esteemed at all sacred. Their names seem to be composed
of the same, or similar elements; and bear a manifest relation to the
religion in use among the Amonians, and to the Deity which they adored.
This deity was the Sun: and most of the antient names will be found to be
an assemblage of titles, bestowed upon that luminary. Hence there will
appear a manifest correspondence between them, which circumstance is quite
foreign to the system of Bochart. His etymologies are destitute of this
collateral evidence; and have not the least analogy to support them.
In consequence of this I have ventured to give a list of some Amonian
terms, which occur in the mythology of Greece, and in the histories of
other nations. Most antient names seem to have been composed out of these
elements: and into the same principles they may be again resolved by an
easy, and fair evolution. I subjoin to these a short interpretation; and at
the same time produce different examples of names and titles, which are
thus compounded. From hence the Reader will see plainly my method of
analysis, and the basis of my etymological inquiries.
As my researches are upon subjects very remote, and the histories to which
I appeal, various; and as the truth is in great measure to be obtained by
deduction, I have been obliged to bring my authorities immediately under
the eye of the Reader. He may from thence be a witness of the propriety of
my appeal; and see that my inferences are true. This however will render my
quotations very numerous, and may afford some matter of discouragement, as
they are principally from the Greek authors. I have however in most places
of consequence endeavoured to remedy this inconvenience, either by
exhibiting previously the substance of what is quoted, or giving a
subsequent translation. Better days may perhaps come; when the Greek
language will be in greater repute, and its beauties more admired. As I am
principally indebted to the Grecians for intelligence, I have in some
respects adhered to their orthography, and have rendered antient terms as
they were expressed by them. Indeed I do not see, why we should not render
all names of Grecian original, as they were exhibited by that people,
instead of taking our mode of pronunciation from the Romans. I scarce know
any thing, which has been of greater detriment to antient history than the
capriciousness of writers in never expressing foreign terms as they were
rendered by the natives. I shall be found, however, to have not acted up
uniformly to my principles, as I have only in some instances copied the
Grecian orthography. I have ventured to abide by it merely in some
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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