Chap. 1.] 
or MAIf. 
121 
and more particularly, in relation to tliose peoples which dwell 
at a considerable distance from the sea among which, I 
have no doubt, that some facts will appear of an astounding 
nature, and, indeed, incredible to many. "Who, for instance, 
could ever believe in the existence of the ^Ethiopians, who 
had not first seen them ? Indeed what is there that does not ap- 
pear marvellous, when it comes to our knowledge for the first 
time How many things, too, are looked upon as quite im- 
possible, until they have been actually effected Eut it is 
the fact, that every moment of our existence we are distrust- 
ing the power and the majesty of I^ature, if the mind, instead 
of grasping her in her entirety, considers her only in detail, 
liot to speak of peacocks, the spotted skins of tigers and pan- 
thers, and the rich colours of so many animals, a trifling thing 
apparently to speak of, but of inestimable importance, when 
we give it due consideration, is the existence of so many lan- 
guages among the various nations, so many modes of speech, 
so great a variety of expressions ; that to another, a man who 
is of a difierent country, is almost the same as no man at all.^^ 
And then, too, the human features and countenance, although 
composed of but some ten parts or little more, are so fashioned, 
that among so many thousands of men, there are no two in 
existence w^ho cannot be distinguished from one another, a 
result which no art could possibly have produced, when con- 
fined to so limited a number of combinations. In most points, 
however, of this nature, I shall not be content to pledge my 
own credit only, but shall confirm it in preference by referring 
to my authorities, which shall be given on all subjects of a 
nature to inspire doubt. My readers, however, must make no 
objection to following the Greeks, who have proved them- 
23 These are less known, as being less easy of access to travellers, and 
it is accordingly in connection with these, that we always meet with the 
most wonderful tales. — B. 
2* This feeling is well expressed in the old and hackneyed adage, " Omne 
ignotmn pro mirifico" — "Everything that is unknown is taken for mar- 
vellous." 
2^ Cuvier remarks, that Pliny generally employs this kind of oratorical 
language w^hen he is entering upon a part of his work in which he be- 
trays a peculiar degree of credulity, and a total want of correct judgment 
on physical topics. — B. 
Being debarred from holding converse, the fii'st great tie of sociality. 
