An Essay on the subject proposed by the Royal Irish Academy, 
viz. “ An Essay on the nature and influence of the Ancient Irish 
Institutes, commonly called Brehon Laws, and on the number 
and authenticity of the Documents whence information concerning 
them may be derived ; accompanied by Specimens of Transla- 
tions from some of their most interesting parts? With an Ap- 
pendix, containing a Catalogue of the principal Ancient Irish 
Laws, to be found in the MSS. Library of Trinity College, and 
other Libraries. A Prize Essay. By Edward O'Reilly. 
Read June 28, 1824, 
ee eee OT 
“ Abayn Fry (7. an 77 Pepadac Fr0nfactnac) ny huayrhztan nac mbpeteaman mana 
Farac ipjne pyaycan.” 
Udace Mhopazn. 
“ Say unto him (i. e. the King Fearadhach Fionnfachtnach) every Judge is not to be elevated if 
he be not confessed to be skilled in the truth.” 
Testamentary Precept of Moran. 
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 
THE ancient Institutes of Ireland by English writers generally, 
but improperly, called Brehon Laws, are so little known to modern 
times, that some have absolutely denied that such documents exist, 
and have boldly asserted that the ancient Irish never had a code of 
