of which these are delineated, bear a close resemblance to the
equally arbitrary outlines which we are still accustomed to use
for the same purpose.


IDEAS OF COSMOLOGY

In viewing this astronomical system of the Egyptians one cannot
avoid the question as to just what interpretation was placed upon
it as regards the actual mechanical structure of the universe. A
proximal answer to the question is supplied us with a good deal
of clearness. It appears that the Egyptian conceived the sky as a
sort of tangible or material roof placed above the world, and
supported at each of its four corners by a column or pillar,
which was later on conceived as a great mountain. The earth
itself was conceived to be a rectangular box, longer from north
to south than from east to west; the upper surface of this box,
upon which man lived, being slightly concave and having, of
course, the valley of the Nile as its centre. The pillars of
support were situated at the points of the compass; the northern
one being located beyond the Mediterranean Sea; the southern one
away beyond the habitable regions towards the source of the Nile,
and the eastern and western ones in equally inaccessible regions.
Circling about the southern side of the, world was a great river
suspended in mid-air on something comparable to mountain cliffs;
on which river the sun-god made his daily course in a boat,
fighting day by day his ever-recurring battle against Set, the
demon of darkness. The wide channel of this river enabled the
sun-god to alter his course from time to time, as he is observed
to do; in winter directing his bark towards the farther bank of