6 Mr. PETRIE'S Inquiry into the Origin and 



all, by authentic evidences, which shall be adduced, relative to the erection of 

 several of the Towers, with the names and eras of their founders. 



Previously, however, to entering on this investigation, it will be conformable 

 with custom, and probably expected, that I should take a summary review 

 of the various theories of received authority from which I find myself com- 

 pelled to dissent, and of the evidences and arguments by which it has been 

 attempted to support them. If each of these theories had not its class of ad- 

 herents I would gladly avoid trespassing on the reader's time by such a formal 

 examination ; for the theory which I have proposed must destroy the value of 

 all those from which it substantially differs, or be itself unsatisfactory. I shall 

 endeavour, however, to be as concise as possible, noticing only those evidences, 

 or arguments, that seem worthy of serious consideration, from the respectability 

 of their advocates and the importance which has been attached to them. 



These theories, which have had reference both to the origin and uses of 

 the Towers, have been as follows : 



FIRST, as respects their origin : 



1. That they were erected by the Danes. 



2. That they were of Phoenician origin. 

 SECONDLY, as respects their uses : 



1. That they were fire-temples. 



2. That they were used as places from which to proclaim the Druidical 

 festivals. 



3. That they were gnomons, or astronomical observatories. 



4. That they were phallic emblems, or Buddhist temples. 



5. That they were anchorite towers, or stylite columns. 



6. That they were penitential prisons. 



7. That they were belfries. 



8. That they were keeps, or monastic castles. 



9. That they were beacons and watch-towers. 



It will be observed, that I dissent from the last three theories, only as far as 

 regards the appropriation of the Towers exclusively to any one of the purposes 

 thus assigned to them. 



