wittingly," and he shall be guiltless.


ESTIMATES OF BABYLONIAN SCIENCE

Before turning from the Oriental world it is perhaps worth while
to attempt to estimate somewhat specifically the world-influence
of the name, Babylonian science. Perhaps we cannot better gain an
idea as to the estimate put upon that science by the classical
world than through a somewhat extended quotation from a classical
author. Diodorus Siculus, who, as already noted, lived at about
the time of Augustus, and who, therefore, scanned in perspective
the entire sweep of classical Greek history, has left us a
striking summary which is doubly valuable because of its
comparisons of Babylonian with Greek influence. Having viewed the
science of Babylonia in the light of the interpretations made
possible by the recent study of original documents, we are
prepared to draw our own conclusions from the statements of the
Greek historian. Here is his estimate in the words of the quaint
translation made by Philemon Holland in the year 1700:[23]


"They being the most ancient Babylonians, hold the same station
and dignity in the Common-wealth as the Egyptian Priests do in
Egypt: For being deputed to Divine Offices, they spend all their
Time in the study of Philosophy, and are especially famous for
the Art of Astrology. They are mightily given to Divination, and
foretel future Events, and imploy themselves either by
Purifications, Sacrifices, or other Inchantments to avert Evils,
or procure good Fortune and Success. They are skilful likewise in