Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/127

 wrote from the Time of Hippocrates, to M. Antoninus, in the Compass of Six or Seven Hundred Years: Whereas Thales and Pythagoras took another sort of a Method; Thales acquired his Knowledge in Egypt, Phœnicia, Delphos and Crete; (p) Pythagoras spent Twenty Two Years in Egypt, and Twelve Years more in Chaldea, and then returned, laden with all their Stores; and not contented with that, went into Ethiopia, Arabia, India and Crete; and visited Delphos, and all the renowned Oracles in the World.'

'(q) Lest we should wonder why Pythagoras went so far, we are told, that the Indian Brachmans were so careful to educate those who were intended for Scholars, that as soon as the Mothers found themselves with Child, much Thought and Diligence was employed about their Diet and Entertainment, to furnish them with pleasant Imaginations, to compose their Mind and their Sleeps with the best Temper, during the Time that they carried their Burthen. It is certain that they must needs have been very learned, since they were obliged to spend Thirty Seven Years in getting Instruction: Their Knowledge was all Traditional; they thought the World was round, and made by a Spi-