You have at last my thoughts about Esculapius, and I shall be happy if they are found to answer your- expectation. They are designed for your private consideration; on which account I should be sorry to have them introduced into the world; especially as I do not send the treatise as a correct and finished performance. I have no other copy of it; so that I shall be obliged to you to return it, at whatever distant time may best suit you. It will scarcely merit more than a bare perusal; but you should choose to make extracts from it, or to copy the whole, you have my full permission.

if

It is difficult for me to express how much I think myself obliged by thy elaborate and copious History of the origin of the God of Physic, which has afforded me more satisfaction upon the subject than any thing I had previously seen; for the ancient historical relations of this personage are vague and uncertain, and much more confused

and involved in darkness, the higher they carry his antiquity; but in the History before me, this is reversed; as the higher we ascend, the more light and connexion break forth, and a strong presumption is afforded for crediting what appears most probable. I wish, however, some notice had been taken of his emblematic figures, the serpent and the dog; at least of the latter, and of the origin of the baton.

I am not ignorant that many objections have been urged against the new Analysis of Ancient Mythology, and that the author has been condemned for a partiality to a favourite system; but, if it appear to be a system the most rational, as well as the best connected with historical data, such a partiality is founded in reason, and not prejudice.

In the immense labour of the new Analysis, where the materials lay scattered and almost buried in oblivion, we must rather wonder that it contains so few imperfections.

I remember, though it is long since I read Richardson's Dissertation, that he urges many objections against the Analysis, because some of the persons and exploits commemorated in Grecian history, connected with Eastern nations, are in the records of the latter; and he frequently, I think, instances Persian history. It is very extraordinary, that the same writer, who in some cases lays so much stress and authority upon Persian history, should in another part of his work admit,

or, at least, it may be admitted, that in their whole history there is not even any account of so notorious a character as Sapor, who was so conspicuous when the Roman Empire existed in its grandeur. Certainly, if their history affords no authority in one instance, why should it be so decisive in other instances, still more remote and uncertain ?

But to return to thy polite letter: I have taken extracts from the account of Esculapius, but shall not publish any thing upon the subject, till it has been seen by thyself, if I may be allowed the liberty of asking the favour of thy perusal.

I have also herewith sent my Index to the Analysis, but, as I have not a copy of it, I hope great care will be taken of it, that it be not mislaid. I can spare it for a month or two, if wanted. I purpose to write it fair, and bind it with the Analysis.

I shall take the liberty soon of waiting upon my very obliging friend, and of testifying the respect of

J. C. LETTSOM.

LETTER CXLVI.

JACOB BRYANT, Esq. to Dr. LETTSOM.

Dear Sir,

Cypenham, Sept. 19, 1785. It has been my fixed purpose not to publish any thing more, though I have a variety of treatises by me, most upon sacred subjects, in which I endeavour to elucidate, and maintain the truth of, the Sacred Scriptures. My intention is, to leave them to the perusal and judgment of my executors, and if they should think any good may proceed from them, they may hereafter send them into the world. However, as you desire to publish the Treatise upon Esculapius, I cannot, after your repeated civilities, refuse you any such request; and it accordingly shall certainly be at your service; though I could wish to have it printed without my name *. Another thing I must beg of you is, to let me see it, that it may be revised, for it was written in haste, and the quotations and references will demand a second collation. There is in my possession a rough copy of it, from whence I judge, that it may be in some parts better adjusted, and some little introductory histories premised, by which the evidences, which come after, will be greatly confirmed.

* It is printed as the first Article in the first Volume of the Medical Society of London. ED.

I am confident that my system will one day be thought to be well-founded; and the Analysis will have the patronage of the learned. At present I rest contented with the approbation of some select and excellent friends.

It has been my misfortune to make you wait much longer than I purposed; but the whole Treatise wanted much alteration, especially in its disposition in consequence of which it has passed through a new arrangement. It has been likewise put into the hands of a very learned friend, to whom very few in the kingdom are equal in knowledge; and has undergone a revisal by him. This made the completion of the whole so late.

I purpose being in Town next week; when I will either bring the Treatise, or send it to you. If nothing should interfere, I believe I shall be at my lodgings on Wednesday the 28th.

I am with great truth, Dear Sir,

Your most sincere Friend

and humble servant,

JACOB BRYANT.