'256 THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS. CHAP. XIV. 



It was an emblem of the Sun, to which Deity it 

 was particularly sacred ; and it often occurs in a 

 boat with extended wings, holding the globe of the 

 Sun in its claws, or elevated in the firmament as 

 a type of that luminary in the meridian.* Figures 

 of other Deities are often seen praying to it when 

 in this character. 



It was also a symbol of the World, which it was 

 chosen to signify in the hieroglyphics ; and it was 

 probably in connection with this idea that Pthah, the 

 Creative Power t, claimed it as his emblem, being 

 the Demiurge, or maker of the world. By Pthah- 

 Sokari-Osiris, the pigmy Deity of Memphis, it was 

 adopted as a distinctive mark, being placed on his 

 head ; and Pthah was even represented under the 

 f]":ure of this insect. It belonc^ed likewise to Pthah- 

 Tore, another character of the Creative Power. 



Plutarch supposes that, from being emblematic of 

 virility and manly force^ it was engraved upon the 

 signets t of the Egyptian soldiers, their opinion 

 being " that no females existed of this species, but 

 all males ; " and some have supposed that its position 

 upon the female figure of the heavens, which en- 

 circles the zodiacs, refers to the same idea of its 

 generative influence mentioned by Plutarch. 



It has always been a matter of doubt to wliat 

 purpose the numerous Scaraba^u of all sizes and 

 qualities, found in Egypt, were a})plicd. Some 

 suppose them to have been money ; but this 



* With tlic Hindoos the 8iin is called Erahma, in the east or morning; 

 Siva from noon to evening ; and Vishnoo, in the west and at nii^ht. 

 f Vide svpra, Vol. I, (2d Series) p. 2.01. 

 X Plut. dc Is. s. 10. and I'i. 



