It appears doubtful whether or not this pin-lock was known to the ancient Egyptians. RHIND[3] states that he discovered one on a door in the interior of an ancient Egyptian tomb, but its date, from the description given in the text, appears doubtful. The tomb had certainly been opened in Roman times, if not later. DENON also says that he saw one sculptured in the Temple of Carnac, but he took no drawing of it, and the evidence of the existence of this kind of lock in ancient Egyptian times certainly requires confirmation.[4] Sir GARDNER WILKINSON is of opinion that the earliest example of a key with pins such as might be used with the pin-lock, is of the Roman period, in the reign of TRAJAN, A.D. 90, and the earliest known mention of any key at all is in the third chapter of Judges, viz., 1336 B.C.[5] If the pin-lock was in use in ancient Egypt it was certainly exceptional, as all the sculptures represent the doors as being fastened by simple bolts. [3] 'Thebes, its Tombs and their Tenants,' by A. H. RHIND, F.S.A., London, 1862, p. 94. [4] Mr. BONOMI states that he found a similar lock in one of the Palaces at Khorsabad. The word used for lock in the Scriptures, 'Muftah,' he says is the same in use in the East at the present time. ('Nineveh and its Palaces,' by JOSEPH BONOMI, F.R.S.L.) [5] WILKINSON'S 'Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians,' vol. i., p. 355. The date of this passage in Judges is open to question. INMAN ('Ancient Faiths,' vol. ii., p. 193) puts the earliest introduction of locks amongst the Jews at about 300 B.C.