THE LOST ARTS. 



"]% /TTJCH has been said regarding the lost arts ; 

 -*-*-- and a general impression prevails that there 

 were many wonderful processes, arts, and contriv- 

 ances known to the ancients which have been lost 

 to us. Is this idea correct ? Is it true that the 

 old Egyptians, Grecians, and Romans were our 

 superiors in any kind or branch of knowledge ? 

 Did they excel us in any department of art or 

 mechanical labor? From a somewhat thorough 

 examination of the treasures of ancient art found in 

 the museums of Europe, and from a careful study 

 of the works of the writers of antiquity, especially 

 Pliny, who is the acknowledged source from which 

 very much of this kind of information is drawn, 

 the conclusion is reached that there is great loose- 

 ness and exaggeration in the statements of those 

 who have taken the affirmative of these questions. 



It would be absurd to say that there were not 

 some arts or processes belonging to the ancient 

 civilization which have been lost, or are now im- 

 perfectly understood ; but that the number is large, 

 or that, if known, they would be of any impor- 



