308 FROM GRAND CAIRO TO ROSETTA. 
CHAP- 
VL 
The reader will perhaps deem these observa- 
tions of little importance; yet surely the first 
step towards any chance of discovering a key 
to the Hieroglyphic characters will be that which 
enables us to determine the archetypes whence 
the letters were severally derived : for although 
these may appear somewhat plainly delineated 
upon this very antient Tablet, they are by no 
means so universally. As soon as the full out- 
line was modified, and approached nearer to 
signs used as letters, the original forms were so 
altered that they almost disappeared. Thus 
we find examples, in the manuscripts taken 
from mummies, of a mode of writing, where the 
representation of an animal, or of any other 
visible object, only now and then appears, 
mingled with the letters, and very imperfectly 
traced '. Nor was this the onXy change that 
took place. The inscription upon this Tablet, 
as it is evident, was intended to be read verti- 
cally, or from top to bottom, according to the 
form now observed in the vulgar writing of the 
CahruLcks'^, and some other Oriental nations : but 
(1) See Hamilton's ^g^f/ptiaca, p. 407, &c. Lond. 1309. 
(2) The sacred writing of the Calmuchs is read from left to risht, 
like our owu. See Vol. I. of thcie Travels, p. 436. Octavo Edit. 
