IXTRODUCTIOX. 25 



ing many important benefits to succeeding genera- 

 tions. Not only were the literary treasures of an- 

 tiquity preserved, and transfused into the copious 

 language of Arabia ; there were also imported new 

 and useful discoveries in arts and manufactures, 

 which had long enjoyed in the East a perfectiorl 

 then unknown to other nations. Every branch of 

 study— history, geography, criticism, the belles 

 ietires the natural and moral sciences,— received 

 valuable accessions from the enterprise and enthu- 

 siasm of the Arabs. The number of comforts and 

 even luxuries for which we are indebted to them is 

 prodigious ; but as they Avere introduced gradually 

 t 'tl % remote period, we continue to enjoy the 

 benefit of them miconsciouslv, and without recog- 

 nising their authors. Many" arts and inventions, 

 which have mimstered to human happiness, and 

 wrought a total change in the system of human 

 knowledge, were first communicated and taught to 

 us by these Eastern invaders ; among whoni thev 

 were well kno^Ti long before any indications of 

 them had reached the darkened shores of Europe 



In castmg our eye with a rapid glance over the 

 great and diversified events wliich offer themselves 

 to our contemplation in the study Of Arabian history. 

 It IS matter of sm-prise that, until of late, the atten- 

 tion of Europeans should have been so little excited 

 towards this primitive and extraordinary race ; and 

 that so much yet remains to be explored of the 

 country they inhabit, and the institutions by which 

 they are governed. Distance, no doubt, and a rare 

 intercourse, have contributed to blunt that curiosity 

 which once looked v\ath astonishment on the tro- 

 phies of their valour and their learnin-^ New 

 alhances have been formed with the Eastern world • 

 and considerations of trade,-which has long since 

 abandoned itsancient route,— have dra^vn away our 

 s}Tnpathies from this romantic land 



The interest we talie in remote or ancient nations 



V OL. 1. — U 



