EGYPTIAN SCIENCE 



so is evidenced by various sculptured representations 

 of constellations corresponding to signs of the zodiac 

 which still ornament the ceilings of various ancient 

 temples. Unfortunately the decorative sense, which 

 was always predominant with the Egyptian sculptor, 

 led him to take various liberties with the distribution 

 of figures in these representations of the constellations, 

 so that the inferences drawn from them as to the exact 

 map of the heavens as the Egyptians conceived it can- 

 not be fully relied upon. It appears, however, that 

 the Egyptian astronomer divided the zodiac into twen- 

 ty-four decani, or constellations. The arbitrary group- 

 ings of figures, with the aid of which these are de- 

 lineated, bear a close resemblance to the equally ar- 

 bitrary outlines which we are still accustomed to use 

 for the same purpose. 



IDEAS OF COSMOLOGY 



In viewing this astronomical system of the Egyp- 

 tians one cannot avoid the question as to just what 

 interpretation was placed upon it as regards the actual 

 mechanical structure of the universe. A proximal 

 answer to the question is supplied us with a good deal 

 of clearness. It appears that the Egyptian conceived 

 the sky as a sort of tangible or material roof placed 

 above the world, and supported at each of its four cor- 

 ners by a column or pillar, which was later on conceived 

 as a great mountain. The earth itself was conceived 

 to be a rectangular box, longer from north to south 

 than from east to west ; the upper surface of this box, 

 upon which man lived, being slightly concave and hav- 

 ing, of course, the valley of the Nile as its centre. The 



