Jupiter Ammon, fo famous in antiquity, and where the ancient language of Egypt might be hoped to be recovered; and, perhaps, books which might ferve to interpret the hieroglyphics. The three Oafes fhould be visited, and the people, and the monuments, they contain, now loft to the world, defcribed. A ftay of eight or ten days fhould be made at Syene, to difcover the Solftitial well, and verify the admirable obfervation of the ancient Egyptian priests, who when the fun arrived at the tropic faw his entire image, at noon, in the water, at the bottom of this aftronomical well. No European, for thefe eighteen hundred years, has travelled the places I have mentioned, or verified the facts. Such difcoveries require a man well acquainted with antiquity, and perfectly inftructed in the manners religion, and language of the Arabs; nor need fuch a man end his travels here: he might pass the red fea, as a Mahometan merchant, vifit all its ports, rest some months at Moka, where he would find rare manufcripts; go to Sannaa, the ancient capital of the kings of the Homeritæ, who governed Yemen, in the time of the Ptolemies, examine this rich country, and, joining the caravan, repair to Mecca. Here he might remain under the pretence of religion and trade, examine the library begun long before Mahomet, buy the fcarceft manuscripts, or have them copied, and, after having obferved the religion, commerce, and buildings in that city, as ancient as Ifhmael, he might depart with the caravan of Damafcus, and repose, after his fatigue, in that beautiful capital of Syria, where he might also procure a great number of uncommon books, &c. &c. Whoever could fucceed in fuch a voyage, the pains and perils of which are innumerable, might afford Europe a history, absolutely new, concerning the nations of Arabia; the interior parts of which are as little known as the forefts of New Zealand. Numerous interesting discoveries might be added to natural hiftory, and geography, and, perhaps, he would have the happiness to restore to Tacitus, Livy, and Diodorus Siculus those parts of their immortal works which are loft; for they were translated by the Arabs. When I had finished my translation of the Koran, and the life of Mahomet, full of enthusiasm enthusiasm for fcience, this was the plan I then proposed to myfelf. Obftacles occurred, which prevented its execution, and gave me much chagrin : but the laws of neceffity must be obeyed. I have fince abandoned my project, and, now, confefs I want courage to undertake it, because, from experience, I know the dangers that must be encountered; and, because, after five years abode in my native country, to the climate of which I am. once more accustomed, my health might not, a fecond time, perhaps, fupport the devouring heats of Africa and Arabia. Yet let me hope fome European, thirsting for fame, and more rich, or more favoured, than I am, will gain immortality by collecting the information and manuscripts I have described; and, particularly, by acquiring for more enlightened nations the unknown hiftory of the people of Yemen, Mecca, Medina, and the interior parts of Arabia. Such is the information which five years travels over the East, and the study of the antients, have procured me. You, Sir, who, from that charming retreat which your labours and knowledge have enriched with the rareft rareft plants the world contains, and a multitude of fcarce books, have fupplied me with the neceffary leifure to collect, and arrange, thefe letters, published under the aufpices of an august prince, who honours you with his esteem; may you find pleasure in reading them, and accept them as a testimony of gratitude. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your very respectful, Humble fervant, SAVARY, INDE X. Alexandria (modern) de- ABD A. D Hellaoui, an excel- II. 175 nopus a temple near, ibid the 13th century, II. 21 that of Ofiris, II. 424 33. fcription of, I. 32. Poetical Ali Bey, birth of, II. 129, carried off and fold at tore) account of the I. 154 |