[ 492 ] 
tron of this hlAorical delineation, in the way of prln-^ 
ciples, to decide concerning the 29 charaders of the; 
bud: of Turin. 5. A more general application of 
the faid principles, in order to elucidate the hierogly- 
phical writing, and confequently the antiquities of 
Egypt, by a propofed collation with the, antient fym-- 
bolical writing of China, exemplified. by divers in- 
ftances: and laftly the notes, containing circumdan- ^ 
tial details of fome particulars, as well hiflorical as 
critical, which might otherwife have broken the thread, 
of the letter. 
I fhall not pretend to give an adequate idea of this 
curious paper, within thecompafs of an. extrad fuited . 
to this place. 
The particular branch difcufTed in this letter,.. as- 
well as the general learning of China, are fubjeds in. 
a manner new to Europe; and the various books of. 
the Chinefe are called by the author, a Potofi, which 
might enrich Europe ; efpecially with regard to laws,, 
government, the ufeful arts, natural hiftory, and the. 
like. Some flriduresfrom the letter are to tliis effed 
and, 
1. In the preface mention is made of the Infufii-- 
cient attempts of the Greeks and Romans to explain 
the hieroglyphical writing of Egypt; and of the later, 
attempts of father Kircher, and Mr. de Mairan,. 
who anticipated Mr. Needham in the idea of ex-^ 
plaining them by the charadcriftic writing of China ; 
which idea they quitted al mod as foon as they had: 
formed it. 
2. The date of the quedion is exprefTed as fol- 
lows : “ Mr. Needham has obferved, that the fym- 
** bols or hieroglyphical charaders of the Ifis of Tur 
