CHAPTER VI.
(609—606 B. C.)
KING ITHOBALUS THE FIRST.
[i. e. ETH-BAAL.]
THE FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA BY THE TYRIANS, SCIENTIFICALLY INVESTIGATED AND ESTABLISHED, &c.
SECTION I.
THE CAUSE OF THE EGYPTO-TYRIAN EXPEDITION—HERODOTUS REVIEWED—THE COURSE OF THE "EAST-WIND," &c.
The subject now to be considered is of peculiar interest in reference to the history of early Science; and more so from the fact, that doubts have been entertained by some Historians as to whether this celebrated Voyage was accomplished, or even attempted. These doubts have arisen from the silence of some of the early Roman writers upon the subject, and subsequent authors have, thereupon rejected the supposed expedition. It will be our object in this Chapter, to firmly establish that the Voyage did take place, and to set the question at rest. This will be done not only on the authority of the Greek historian, Herodotus, but upon the higher authority of Scripture,—from the words of the Prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel,—which will now be brought forward (as we humbly submit) for the first time to bear upon the question.
The establishing of this proposition in the affirmative, and beyond further dispute, has a material effect towards supporting the Theory of this entire work, so far as relates to the Aborigines of Mexican America being of Tyrian descent;—therefore, the interesting subject calls for minute investigation in order to sustain the proposition. It must also be of interest to the general reader, merely as an elucidation of early Science, and especially the analysis of the celebrated "East-Wind," so often mentioned in the Bible.