Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/355

 How clearly has the Old Chronology and Geography been stated by Modern Criticks and Philologers; and the Mistakes and Carelesness of many Writers detected, who were esteemed Authentick even in the Times wherein they lived? Selden and Bochart, to name no more at present, have plainly proved, that all the Ancient Greek Antiquaries were not near so well acquainted with the Originals of that Mythology, which then made up a good part of their Religion, as well as of their Learning, as known at present, since the Languages of those Countries, from whence most of those Rites and Stories took their Original, have been carefully examined, and critically studied. Is it not a very odd Thing, that of so many as have written of the Pyramids, there should not be one exact Account of them, Ancient nor Modern, till Mr. Greaves described them? They were admired formerly, as much as now (d); reckoned amongst the Seven Wonders of the World; and mentioned, from Herodotus's Time, downwards, by all that gave any Account of Egypt: Yet most Men copied after Herodotus; and many of the rest, who did not, spoke by guess. None of the extant Ancient Authors was so exact as Sir George Sandys, who want- Errata