A New System | Page 9

the least analogy to support them.
In consequence of this I have ventured to give a list of some Amonian

terms, which occur in the mythology of Greece, and in the histories of
other nations. Most antient names seem to have been composed out of
these elements: and into the same principles they may be again
resolved by an easy, and fair evolution. I subjoin to these a short
interpretation; and at the same time produce different examples of
names and titles, which are thus compounded. From hence the Reader
will see plainly my method of analysis, and the basis of my
etymological inquiries.
As my researches are upon subjects very remote, and the histories to
which I appeal, various; and as the truth is in great measure to be
obtained by deduction, I have been obliged to bring my authorities
immediately under the eye of the Reader. He may from thence be a
witness of the propriety of my appeal; and see that my inferences are
true. This however will render my quotations very numerous, and may
afford some matter of discouragement, as they are principally from the
Greek authors. I have however in most places of consequence
endeavoured to remedy this inconvenience, either by exhibiting
previously the substance of what is quoted, or giving a subsequent
translation. Better days may perhaps come; when the Greek language
will be in greater repute, and its beauties more admired. As I am
principally indebted to the Grecians for intelligence, I have in some
respects adhered to their orthography, and have rendered antient terms
as they were expressed by them. Indeed I do not see, why we should
not render all names of Grecian original, as they were exhibited by that
people, instead of taking our mode of pronunciation from the Romans.
I scarce know any thing, which has been of greater detriment to antient
history than the capriciousness of writers in never expressing foreign
terms as they were rendered by the natives. I shall be found, however,
to have not acted up uniformly to my principles, as I have only in some
instances copied the Grecian orthography. I have ventured to abide by
it merely in some particular terms, where I judged, that etymology
would be concerned. For I was afraid, however just this method might
appear, and warrantable, that it would seem too novel to be universally
put in practice.
My purpose has been throughout to give a new turn to antient history,

and to place it upon a surer foundation. The mythology of Greece is a
vast assemblage of obscure traditions, which have been transmitted
from the earliest times. They were described in hieroglyphics, and have
been veiled in allegory: and the same history is often renewed under a
different system, and arrangement. A great part of this intelligence has
been derived to us from the Poets; by which means it has been rendered
still more extravagant, and strange. We find the whole, like a grotesque
picture, blazoned high, and glaring with colours, and filled with groups
of fantastic imagery, such as we see upon an Indian screen; where the
eye is painfully amused; but whence little can be obtained, which is
satisfactory, and of service. We must, however, make this distinction,
that in the allegorical representations of Greece, there was always a
covert meaning, though it may have escaped our discernment. In short,
we must look upon antient mythology as being yet in a chaotic state,
where the mind of man has been wearied with roaming over the crude
consistence without ever finding out one spot where it could repose in
safety. Hence has arisen the demand, [Greek: pou stôi], which has been
repeated for ages. It is my hope, and my presumption, that such a place
of appulse may be found, where we may take our stand, and from
whence we may have a full view of the mighty expanse before us; from
whence also we may descry the original design, and order, of all those
objects, which by length of time, and their own remoteness, have been
rendered so confused and uncertain.
* * * * *
PREFACE
TO THE
THIRD VOLUME OF THE QUARTO EDITION,
BEGINNING AT VOL. iv. PAGE 1. IN THIS EDITION.
Through the whole process of my inquiries, it has been my endeavour,
from some plain and determinate principles, to open the way to many
interesting truths. And as I have shewn the certainty of an universal
Deluge from the evidences of most nations, to which we can gain

access, I come now to give an history of the persons who survived that
event; and of the families which were immediately descended from
them. After having mentioned their residence in the region of Ararat,
and their migration from it, I shall give an account of