[156-1] In this definition the word _apperception_ is used in the sense assigned it by Professor Lazarus--the perception modified by imagination and memory. “Mythologie ist eine Apperceptionsform der Natur und des Menschen.” (_Zeitschrift für Völkerpsychologie_, Bd. i., s. 44). Most recent mythologists omit the latter branch of the definition; for instance, “A myth is in its origin an explanation by the uncivilized mind of some natural phenomenon.” (John Fiske, _Myths and Myth Makers_, p. 21). This is to omit that which gives the myth its only claim to be a product of the religious sentiment. Schopenhauer, in calling dogmas and myths “the metaphysics of the people,” fell into the same error. Religion, as such, is always concrete. [159-1] Half a century ago the learned Mr. Faber, in his _Origin of Pagan Idolatry_, expressed his astonishment at “the singular, minute and regular accordance” between the classical myths. That accordance has now been discovered to be world-wide. [160-1] “Ganz gleiche Mythen können sehr füglich, jede selbstständig, an verschiedenen Oerter emporkommen.” _Briefe an Woelcker._ [161-1] The last two are the modern orthodox theories, supported by Bryant, Faber, Trench, De Maistre and Sepp. Medieval Christianity preferred the direct agency of the Devil. Primitive Christianity leaned to the opinion that the Grecian and Roman myth makers had stolen from the sacred writings of the Jews. [165-1] Sir Wm. Hamilton, _Lectures on Metaphysics_. Appendix, p. 691. [165-2] Creuzer, _Symbolik und Mythologie_, Bd. ii., s. 107. [166-1] Th. Nöldeke, _Zeitschrift für Völkerpsychologie_, Bd. iii., s. 131. [166-2] See a note of Prof. Spiegel to Yaçna, 29, of the _Khordah-Avesta_. [167-1] Ἡ υγρα φυσις αρχη και γενεσις παντων. Plutarch, _De Iside_. According to the Koran and the Jewish Rabbis, the throne of God rested on the primeval waters from which the earth was produced. See a note in Rodwell’s translation of the Koran, _Sura_. xi. [167-2] I have discussed some of these myths in the seventh chapter of the _Myths of the New World_. [168-1] How it troubled the early Christians who dared not adopt the refuge of the Epochs of Nature, may be seen in the _Confessions_ of St. Augustine, Lib. XI, cap. 10, et seq. He quotes the reply of one pushed by the inquiry, what God was doing before creation: “He was making a hell for inquisitive busy-bodies.” _Alta spectantibus gehennas parabat._