The Dawn of Astronomy. By J. Norman Lockyer. (Cassell and
Co.)—This is, as may be supposed, a volume which it is not easy to discuss or even to describe. Mr. Lockyees sub-title is "A Study of the Temple Worship and Mythology of the Ancient Egyptians." That astronomy was studied in Egypt, is abun- dantly plain from the records that have been preserved on the
monuments. The purpose of this study is not so clear. To suppose a purely scientific object would be to introduce an idea of far later origin, and, we might even say, at all times slim to the Egyptian temper. It was the Greek mind that first conceived the idea of eaalce, the wisdom that is sought for its own sake, and is its own reward. The Egyptian was a student, but his study had a practical bearing on life, life in this world, and what was, in a sense, real to him, life hereafter. In short, astronomy was the servant of religion.
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