On an Astronomical Instrument of the Ancient Irish. By Sin Witxi1AM Betuam, 
Ulster King of Arms, M.R.1.A., F.A.S., §c. &e. 
Read 23d of May, 1836. 
We learn from Cesar that the Druids of Gaul were the philosophers and men of 
science, as well as the priests, of the Celti. 
Yirst—As priests, they were occupied in expounding religion, and ordering and 
directing sacrifices. 
Secondly—The education of youth was solely committed to them. 
Thirdly—<As judges they settled all disputes and controversies. 
Fourthly—That their learning and science was derived from the British Islands, 
where all persons who wished to obtain a perfect education, went to study, and to 
become adepts required attention for twenty years. 
Vifthly—-That they were a literate people, and in their common concerns of life, 
both public and private, they used, in writing, a character similar to the Greek. 
Sixthly—They taught the doctrine of the metempsychosis. 
Lastly —* They also taught the youth many points touching the motion of the 
heavenly bodies, the magnitude of the earth, the nature of the world and of things, 
and the dignity and power of the gods.” 
It thus appears that the Celtz were learned in the sciences of their day. Their 
youth were taught astronomy and other alistruse and difficult subjects, the doctrines 
of Pythagoras, and the learning of the Egyptians. In fact, they were highly in- 
structed, and knew as much as was then known by any people. 
Hibernia being inhabited by the same race of people as Gaul, was, in fact, as one 
of the British Islands, the chief seat of Druidic learning, for Cisar distinctly states, 
that all who wished to perfect themselves in the sciences and learning of the Druids, 
went to the British Islands for instruction. I trust, the time has arrived when 
the subject of Antient Irish History can be logically discussed, with patient candour, 
free, as well from the sneers of those who condemn, because they do not understand, 
as from the injudicious zeal of those who, by crediting every wild notion, have injured 
the cause they have endeavoured to promote. 
I beg to call the attention of the Academy to a very singular instrument lately 
found in Ireland, which has fortunately been preserved from the melting pot by 
