The confusion of words is the cause of all disputes and sects.—D'Israeli.
The obscure ages demand bold hypotheses or total neglect, contradictions are inseparable from days of tradition.—There exist no instance of a people really savage having spontaneously advanced to civilization. [pg 006] Savage men are degenerated or imperfect creatures.... Words and even few are the rules of analogies in nations.—Niebuhr, Roman History, Vol. I.
It is manifest that there are noble resources (for history) still remaining, if we will but apply ourselves to diligent enquiry. There are in every climate some scattered fragments of original history, some traces of a primitive and universal language. Even America would contribute to this purpose, the more rude the monuments, the more ancient they may possibly prove, and afford greater light on enquiry. Bryant, Mythology; conclusion of the work.
To accumulate materials without generalizing any idea is a method as sterile in history as in natural philosophy.—The geology of America does not differ essentially from that of the old world, the strata and the emersion from the waters are not newer: species long extinct have also preceded those now peopling the earth, the waters and the air.—The problem of the first population of America is no more the province of history, than the questions on the origin of plants and animals. When we shall better know the brown men of Africa, with those of the north and east of Asia, the American nations will be less insulated—They have extended from lat. 68 N. to 55 S. or 123 degrees of latitude, in plains and mountains, assuming various complexions and stature. If Africa has [pg 007] 140 languages, America has still more; resembling in this, the Caucasus, Italy before the Romans; but they are susceptible of classification into families. The multiplicity of languages is a very ancient phenomenon, perhaps those which we call American, belong no more to America, than the Magyar and Choud or Finn to Europe.—Humboldt, American Researches, Introduction.
If we desire to be fully informed of a nation's history, we must not reject the fables under which the few traces that remain of its origin are concealed. These, however extravagant, always merit attention they have an influence on the character of the people to whom they relate.—First words of Malcolm, History of Persia.
The Chinese often call the king, the kingdom and the nation by the same name, nay, even also the capital city.—Regis, History of Corea, in Duhalde China.
The cradle or first seat of mankind was in Asia, between lat. 30 and 50; which is also the native place of all the domestic animals, fruits and grains.—Adelung, Bailly, Higgins, &c.
The Genesis was a compilation of Moses from older annals, some perhaps by Noah himself.—Revd. Mr. Davies, Herder.
The patriarchs of Moses and Pitris of Hindus were nations, personifications of early tribes.—Drummond, D'Olivet, Wilford.
The early gods and kings of Greece and [pg 008] Italy, were probably tribes, the chiefs and followers being called by the same name. This is true also of the various Hercules or wandering Heroes.—Dodwell, Jamieson.