Dr Hodgkin on the Fr ogress of Ethnology, 121 



that there are two modes in which the subject is susceptible 

 of being treated. By the one method, we should proceed 

 from the original stock or stocks to trace the numerous subdi- 

 visions or ramifications into which it has branched out ; but to 

 adopt this course, it would be essential that we possessed more 

 numerous and more certain facts than either are or can be 

 within our power of attainment. The oldest ethnographer, 

 as well as the oldest historian, who was also the first inspired 

 writer, has adopted this method ; and in his enumeration and 

 description of the nations, tribes, and families, of which he has 

 left an account on record, he has traced them in the descend- 

 ing line from their great primogenitor. Even in comparative- 

 ly recent times, attempts have been made to adopt this method, 

 but the result has obviously been very incomplete and unsatis- 

 factory. A partial attempt of the same kind was made by 

 many of the ancient profane historians, whose writings are of 

 the utmost value to those who may at present be engaged in 

 the study of ethnology. Though in many instances con- 

 strained to admit the pre-existence of a class of men styled 

 Aborigines or Autochthoni, supposed to be originally produced 

 in the region or territory, in consequence of their arrival in it 

 being beyond the reach of history or tradition, they almost in- 

 variably relate the accession of other inhabitants derived from 

 some known stock, and who subsequently have been split into 

 different families, whose subdivision and alliances are more 

 or less accurately detailed. Such is the description, meagre 

 as it is, which Sallust has given us of the peopling of Northern 

 Africa. Such is the description of the introduction of Gre- 

 cian and Asiatic families into Italy. 



The other mode consists in endeavouring to trace the na- 

 tions, tribes, and families of man in a retrograde direction 

 towards their obscure origin. In this process, which is one 

 of great labour and difficulty, and necessarily tedious, it is of 

 the utmost importance not to be hastened by preconceived 

 opinions, or the activity of the imagination, to arrive prema- 

 turely at undemonstrated conclusions. A theory may indeed 

 be permitted as a lamp to the enquirer, but he must be care- 

 ful that it do not lead him astray, like an ignis fatuus from 

 terra firma to a pathless swamp. Of this description are the 



