The Affinity of the Phenician and Celtic Languages, illustrated by the Geographical 
names in Ptolemy and the Periplous of Arrian. By Str Witusam Beruam, 
S.R.LA., Ulster King of Arms, &c. §c. 
Read 23d of May, and 27th of June, 1836. 
Many years since, I ventured to suggest, that the inhabitants of Celtic Gaul, Bri- 
tain and Ireland, at Czsar’s invasion, spoke the language now called Irish or Gaelic, 
and that they were the only true Celtz. I have since, being satisfied that the ancient 
Caledonians were an exception, they being of Cimbric or Gothic origin, and the an- 
cestors of the Picts and Welsh. 
With this exception, farther investigation have convinced me of the accuracy of my 
opinions; and I have had the satisfaction of the approval of many most competent 
individuals who have given the subject consideration, and flatter myself, that the time 
is not far distant when there will be no doubts on the subject. 
The more difficult question of—from what branch of the great family of mankind 
the Celtz proceeded—! have endeavoured ‘to answer by showing the cognate cha- 
racter of the languages of the Celte and the Phenicians, if they were not precisely 
the same, and that the former being a colony of the latter, the Celtic language de- 
monstrated the signification of the names of Greco-Phenician geography, as well as 
those of the deities of the Greek and Roman theology. 
“« Language, (says the writer in the Quarterly Review*) under the guidance of the 
extensive research and philosophic spirit of modern philology, has been the safest clue 
to the application of remote races.” 
“The grounds from. which we may infer the affiliation or the relationship of the 
different races of mankind and similarity— 
Ist. Of languages, including written characters. 
2d. Religion. 
3d. Civil Institutions. 
4th. Manners. 
* Sept. 1885, p. 433. Micali on the ancient peoples of Italy. 
VOL. XVII. FE 
