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
His method of proceeding by etymology was not a little hazardous; men of
the greatest abilities have often failed in the use of it, while those of
weak judgment have, by their application of it, rendered it the source of
the greatest absurdities, and almost led the unthinking to connect an idea
of ridicule with the term itself. But the judicious use which Mr. Bryant
could make of this science is apparent in every part of his work: he
derives from it the greatest and only light which can be cast upon some of
his inquiries, and that in a way that will draw the admiration of those who
have a proper acquaintance with the subject; that is, such as have a
knowledge of the Oriental languages sufficient to enable them to trace them
through the Greek, Latin, and other tongues, as they relate to the names of
things, which in almost every country carry evidence of their being derived
from the East; from whence it is certain mankind themselves are derived.
The sagacity and diligence with which our author has applied his helps
obtained from the scattered passages of antient authors and etymology, have
enabled him to clear up the history of the remotest ages, and to elucidate
objects hitherto surrounded with darkness and error. Upon the whole, it
will be allowed by all who are capable judges of the subject, that the
plausibility of his hypothesis is frequently apparent, his scheme great,
and his discoveries extraordinary.
_Viro plusquàm octogenario, et_ Etonæ _Matris Filiorum omnium superstitum
Ætate jam grandissimo,_ JACOBO BRYANT, S.
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Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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