methods of inquiry. Discouraged by the difficulties in the way,
many have supposed it hidden from the present by a veil which
only thickens as time passes. In the remains of prehistoric
times they have failed to recognize the pages of history.
They saw only monuments of ancient skill and perseverance:
interesting sketches, not historical portraits. Some writers
have held that we must give up the story of the past, "whether
fact or chronology, doctrine or mythology--whether in Europe,
Asia, Africa, or America--at Thebes, or Palenque--on Lycian
shore, or Salisbury plain--lost is lost and gone is gone for
evermore." Such is the lament of a gifted writer,<2> amongst the
first to ponder over the mysteries of the past. At the present
day, with better means at hand, a more hopeful view is taken.
But here a caution is necessary; for, in attempting to
reconstruct the history of primitive times, such is the interest
which it inspires, that many allow imagination to usurp the
place of research, and write in terms too glowing
for history.<3>

The human mind is sleepless in the pursuit of knowledge. It is
ever seeking new fields of conquest. It must advance: with it,
standing still is the precursor of defeat. If necessary it
invents new methods of attack, and rests not until it gains its
objective point, or demonstrates the hopelessness of its quest.
The world needs but be informed that on a given point knowledge
is dim and uncertain, when there are found earnest minds
applying to the solution of the mystery all the energies of
their natures. All the resources of science are brought to bear;
every department of knowledge is made to contribute of its
store: and soon a mass of facts is established and a new science