Biographical Sketch of Dr Prichard. 215 



tirely at variance with the views deduced by him from his 

 ethnological researches. The method which he pursued in 

 the investigation, in this particular work, was a comparison 

 of the mythological and philosophic doctrines and civil insti- 

 tutions of the ancient Egyptians with those which were de- 

 veloped among the worshippers of Brahma in Eastern Asia. 

 The language of ancient Egypt was so entirely unknown, that 

 no assistance could be derived from that source ; the only 

 method, therefoi-e, which could be followed with any prospect 

 of success, was the kind of analysis and comparison entered 

 on by Dr Prichard. The result of this analysis undoubtedly 

 presents a remarkable series of striking points of resem- 

 blance, in mythic dogmas, religious ceremonies, sacerdotal 

 customs, cosmogonic and physical doctrines, and even, to a 

 certain extent, in civil institutions. 



This treatise was translated into the German language at 

 the wish of Professor Welcke, of Bonn, and a preface to it 

 written by the learned archaeologist, Augustus "William von 

 Schlegel. Professor Schlegel, while paying a just tribute to 

 the learning and acuteness of the authoi*, and to the profound 

 character of the work in question, combats the general con- 

 clusion derived by Dr Prichard from his comparison of Egypt 

 with ancient India, in regard to the most important elements 

 of their religion and political constitution. That general 

 conclusion is, " that the same fundamental pi*inciples are to 

 be traced as forming the groundwork of religious institutions, 

 of philosophy, and of superstitious observances and ceremonies 

 among the Egyptians and several Asiatic nations, more es- 

 pecially the Indians." It would be out of place here to enter 

 at length into the character of the evidences adduced by Dr 

 Prichard in support of this conclusion. The treatise itself 

 presents an ample and methodical arrangement of the autho- 

 rities on the subject of Egyptian mythology and philosophy, 

 fronj the writings of Pagan and Cliristian authors. What 

 remains of ancient literature and philosophy, bearing upon 

 Egyptian history, has been copiously collected and carefully 

 applied to the illustration of this obscure and intricate branch 

 of the history of mankind. As in all other of Dr Prichard's 

 writings, there is no straining of evidence to support a 



