Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 1.djvu/537

 footpaths and the paving-stones used in the streets of the better-built quarters are imported from Europe.

The Egyptian Institute, the principal scientific establishment in the Nile Valley, has been founded, not in Cairo, but in Alexandria, as if the intention has been to

revive the old traditions of the place as a famous seat of learning. It could never be forgotten that this city was formerly the "brain of mankind," and that here the great school of Alexandria has been established and conducted by such men as Plotinus, Proclus, Porphyrius, and Jamblichus. Thanks to the influence of this university, there was brought about that blending of national myths and that