[14] M. Elie Reclus, in a remarkable paper presented in 1879 to the Anthropological Institute, affirms (p. 16, et seq.) that circumcision is derived from the custom of emasculation practised on captives, which is equivalent to death, and that it is a substitute for human sacrifices. He admits, however (p. 32), that, among the Semites at least, circumcision was a “consecration of the sexual organ to a Phallic divinity.”
[15] “Ante-Nicene Christian Library,” vol. iv. (Clement of Alexandria), p. 27.
[16] The Hebrew word bara translated “created” can be used in a different sense.
[17] “Jashar,” by Dr. Donaldson, 2nd ed. (1860), p. 45, et seq.
[18] Smith’s “Dictionary of the Bible”—Art., “Apple-tree.” Inman’s “Ancient Faiths,” vol. i., p. 274.
[19] “Zambesi and its Tribes,” p. 188.
[20] “Missionary Travels in South Africa,” p. 495.
[21] “Journey to Ashango Land,” p. 295.
[22] “River Zaire,” p. 181.
[23] “Travels through Central Africa,” p. 394, 407.