RARE AND VALUABLE BOOKS ON ANCIENT RELIGIONS, TREE, SERPENT, For Sale by J. W. BOUTON, 706 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. TREE AND SERPENT WORSHIP; OR, ILLUSTRATIONS OF MYTHOLOGY AND ART IN INDIA, in the First and Fourth Centuries after Christ. From the Sculptures of the Buddhist Topes at Sanchi and Amravati, prepared under the Authority of the Secretary of State for India. With Introductory Essays and Descriptions of the Plates, by James Fergusson, Esq., F.R.S., etc., author of "History of Architecture," etc. Illustrated with 99 Full-page Photographic and Lithographic Plates, and numerous Woodcuts throughout the Text. One thick royal 4to volume, beautifully printed on heavy paper, and substantially bound in half morocco, gilt top. $45.00. London, Printed for the India Office, 1873. "There are few things which at first sight appear to us at the present day so strange, or less easy to account for, than that worship which was once so generally offered to the SerpentGod. If not the oldest, it ranks at least among the earliest forms through which the human intellect sought to propitiate the unknown powers. "In so far as such glimmerings as we possess enable us to guess the locality of its origin, I would feel inclined to say that it came from the mud of the Lower Euphrates, among a people of Turanian origin, and spread thence as from a centre to every country or land of the Old World in which a Turanian people settled. Apparently no Semitic, or no people of Aryan race, ever adopted it as a form of faith. It is true, we find it in Judea, but almost certainly it was there an outcrop from the older underlying strata of the population. We find it also in Greece and in Scandinavia, among people whom we know principally as Aryan, but there, too, it is like the tares of a previous crop springing up among the stems of a badly cultivated field of wheat. The essence of Serpent-Worship is as diametrically opposed to the spirit of the Veda, or of the Bible, as is possible to conceive two faiths to be; and, with varying degrees of dilution, the spirit of these two works pervades in a greater or less extent all the forms of the religions of the Aryan or Semitic races. On the other hand, any form of Animal worship is perfectly consistent with the lower intellectual status of the Turanian races; and all history tells us that it is among them, and essentially among them only, that Serpent-Worship is really found to prevail."-Extract from Introduction. FABER'S ORIGIN OF PAGAN IDOLATRY Ascertained from Historical Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence. This important, and now scarce work, represents all the Religious Systems of Antiquity. ANCIENT FAITHS EMBODIED IN ANCIENT NAMES; or, An Attempt to trace the Religious Belief, Sacred Rites, and Holy Emblems of certain Nations, by an Interpretation of the Names given to Children by Priestly Authority, or assumed by Prophets, Kings, and Hierarchs. By THOMAS INMAN, M.D. 2 thick volumes, upward of 1,000 pp. each. Profusely illustrated with Engravings on Wood. $20.00. Only 500 copies printed. London, Printed for the Author, 1868–70. Dr. Inman's present attempt to trace the religious belief, sacred rites, and holy emblems of certain nations, has opened up to him many hitherto unexplored fields of research, or, at least, fields that have not been over-cultivated, and the result is a most curious and miscellaneous harvest of facts. The ideas on priapism developed in a former volume receive further extension in this. Dr. Inman, as will be seen, does not fear to touch subjects usually considered sacred, in an independent manner, and some of the results at which he has arrived are such as will undoubtedly startle, if not shock, the orthodox. But this is what the author expects, and for this he has thoroughly prepared himself. In illustration of his peculiar views, he has ransacked a vast variety of historical storehouses, and with great trouble and at considerable cost he places the conclusions at which he has arrived before the world. With the arguments employed, the majority of readers will, we expect, disagree; even when the facts adduced will remain undisputed, their application is frequently inconsequent. In showing the absurdity of a narrative or an event in which he disbelieves, the Doctor is powerful; but when he himself ventures upon a chain of arguments or propounds doctrines, positive or negative, he usually appears to disadvantage. No expense has been spared on the volume, which, like the previous one, is well and fully illustrated, and contains a good index."-Bookseller. A most Important Contribution to Archæological Science. By A DISCOURSE ON THE WORSHIP OF PRIAPUS, and its connection with the Mystic Theology of the Ancients. RICHARD PAYNE KNIGHT, Esq. A New Edition. To which is added AN ESSAY ON THE WORSHIP OF THE GENERATIVE POWERS DURING THE MIDDLE AGES OF WESTERN EUROPE. Illustrated with 138 Engravings (many of which are fullpage), from Ancient Gems, Coins, Medals, Bronzes, Sculpture, Egyptian Figures, Ornaments, Monuments, etc. Printed, on heavy toned paper, at the Chiswick Press. I vol. 4to, half Roxburghe morocco, gilt top. $35.00. London, 1871. "This is a very 'extraordinary volume upon a subject that is now attracting the almost universal attention of the learned and curious in Europe. "Ever since the revival of learning, strange objects have from time to time been discovered -objects which, although they may amaze or amuse the weak-minded, have induced earnest students to inquire into their origin and true meaning. Various matters and discoveries assisted in clearing up the mystery; the emblems and symbols gradually explained their full meaning, and the outlines of an extraordinary creed unfolded itself. It was the DIVINITE GENERATRICE-the worship or adoration of the God PRIAPUS-the ancient symbol of generation and fertility. The Round Towers in Ireland; similar buildings in India; the Maypole in England, and even the spires of our churches, are now shown to be nothing more nor less than existing symbols of this pagan and strange worship. Almost all the great relics of antiquity bear traces of this impious adoration-the rock caves of Elephanta, near Bombay, the earth and stone mounds of Europe, Asia, and America, the Druidical piles and the remains of the so-called Fire-worshippers in every part of the world. Even existing popular customs and beliefs are full of remnants of this extravagant devotion. "R. P. Knight, the writer of the first Essay,' was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a Member of the British Parliament, and one of the most learned antiquaries of his time. His Museum of Phallic objects is now most carefully preserved in the London British Museum. The second Essay,' bringing our knowledge of the worship of Priapus down to the present time, so as to include the more recent discoveries throwing any light upon the matter, is said to be by one of the most distinguished English antiquaries-the author of numerous works which are held in high esteem. He was assisted, it is understood, by two prominent Fellows of the Royal Society, one of whom has recently presented a wonderful collection of Phallic objects to the British Museum authorities." THE ROSICRUCIANS; THEIR RITES AND MYSTERIES. With Chapters on the Ancient Fire and Serpent-Worshippers, and Explanations of the Mystic Symbols represented in the Monuments and Talismans of the primeval Philosophers. By HARGRAVE JENNINGS. Crown 8vo, 316 wood-engravings. $2.00. London, 1870. A volume of startling facts and opinions upon this very mysterious subject. HIGGINS'S ANACALYPSIS; An attempt to draw aside the veil of the Saitic Isis, or an Inquiry into On page vii. of the Preface this passage occurs: "I have printed only 200 copies of this work; of these 200 only a few got at first into circulation. The tendency of the work is to overturn all the established systems of religion, to destroy received notions upon subjects generally considered sacred, and to substitute a simple unsacerdotal worship. Names hitherto looked upon with veneration by the world are stripped of their honors, and others are lifted from opprobrium to a position of reverence." HIGGINS'S CELTIC DRUIDS; An attempt to show that the Druids were the Priests of Oriental Colonies, who emigrated from India. 45 fine plates of Druidical Remains, on INDIA PAPER, and numerous vignettes. 4to, half calf. $22.50. BHAGVAT GÉETA; London, 1829. or, DIALOGUES of Kreeshna aND ARJOON; in 18 Lectures, with Notes, translated from the Original Sanskreet by CHARLES WILKINS. 8vo, handsomely printed on fine paper. $2.50. Only 161 copies. London, 1785, reprinted New York, 1867. Contains curious details of the Manners, Customs, Mythology, Worship, &c., of the Hindoos. The principal design of these dialogues seems to have been to unite all the prevailing modes of worship of those days: the Bramins esteem it to contain all the grand mysteries of their religion, and have exercised particular care to conceal it from the knowledge of those of a different persuasion." AVESTA: THE RELIGIOUS BOOKS OF THE PARSEES. From Professor SPIEGEL'S German Translation of the Original Manuscripts, by A. H. BLEECK. • 3 vols. in 1. 8vo, cloth. $7.50. London, 1864. English scholars, who wish to become acquainted with the "Bible of the Parsees," now for the first time published in English, should secure this work. To thinkers the "Avesta" will be a most valuable work; they will now have an opportunity to compare its TRUTHS with those of the BIBLE, the KORAN, and the VEDS. COLEMAN'S MYTHOLOGY OF THE HINDUS, with Notices of various Mountain and Island Tribes inhabiting the two Peninsulas of India. Numerous engravings of Hindoo Deities. 4to, half calf, neat. Scarce. $11.00. London, 1832. The Appendix in this valuable work comprises the Minor Avatars and the terms used in the Worship and Ceremonies of the Hindus. BRYANT'S SYSTEM OF ANTIENT MYTHOLOGY, 3d Edition; with Life of the Author, Index, &c. Portrait and Plates. 6 vols. 8vo, cf. gilt. $15.00. DAVIES' London, 1807. MYTHOLOGY AND RITES OF THE BRITISH DRUIDS, $6.00. Ascertained by National Documents, with Appendix, &c., &c. Royal 8vo, half calf. London, 1809. "Davies of Olverton, whose Celtic Researches and Mythology of the Druids are full of that curious information which is preserved nowhere but in Welsh remains."-SOUTHEY. FABER'S DISSERTATION ON THE MYSTERIES OF THE CABIRI: Or, The great Gods of Phoenicia, Egypt, Troas, Greece, &c., &c. Front. 2 vols. 8vo, calf, neat. $9.00. Printed for the Author, Oxford, 1803. "This work establishes the justice of the remark made on the author's profound acquaintance with Antiquity. In this respect, it is second only to the Ancient Mythology of Bryant." -Bibl. Bib. THORPE'S NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY; The Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands; a View of German Mythology, or Popular Belief, from the North of Norway to Belgium, and from the Earliest Times down to the Present. Selected and Translated. 3 vols. small 8vo, half morocco. $6.00. London, 1852. MOOR'S HINDU PANTHEON. 451 pages of text, and upwards of 100 fine plates of Hindoo Deities. Thick royal 4to, full Russia, neat. $37.50. London, 1810. A valuable work, now quite scarce. HERCULANUM ET POMPEII: RECUEIL GENERAL des PEINTURES, BRONZES, MOSAIQUES, &c., découverts jusqu'à ce jour et reproduits d'après tous les ouvrages publiés jusqu'à présent, avec un Texte explicatif de M. Barré, with 700 fine engravings, 8 vols. imperial 8vo (including the MUSEE SECRETE). French bds., lettered. $45.00. Paris, Didot, 1863. This is the MOST COMPLETE WORK on the discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii, exhibiting all the paintings, bronzes, miniatures, &c., hitherto published in rare or expensive works, with the addition of many others which have not previously appeared. MAURICE'S INDIAN ANTIQUITIES. Numerous plates, chiefly illustrative of the Ancient Worships of India. 7 vols. 8vo, half morocco, gilt top. $20.00. London, 1800. A very curious work, containing Dissertations relative to the ancient geographical divisions, the pure system of primeval theology, the grand code of civil laws, the original form of government, the widely extended commerce, and the various and profound literature, of Hindostan ; compared throughout with the religion, laws, government, and literature of Persia, Egypt, and Greece, the whole intended as introductory to the history of Hindostan, upon a comprehensive scale. A SUPPLEMENT TO PAYNE KNIGHT'S "WORSHIP OF PRIAPUS." APHRODISIACS AND ANTI-APHRODISIACS. Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction; with some account of the Judicial "Congress as practised in France during the Seventeenth Century. By JOHN DAVENPORT. With eight full-page illustrations. Printed on toned paper, and only One Hundred Copies for private distribution. Small 4to, half morocco, gilt top. $20.00. London, 1870. Before the Aryan and the Semitic races had made a record in history, aboriginal peoples occupied India, Arabia, and the countries of the Mediterranean. They were not barbarous, for their monumental remains show that their knowledge of architecture, the mechanic arts and astronomy, has not been exceeded in subsequent time. Their civilization, however, was peculiar; for the religious comprehended the political system, and worship made science and art its ministers. Unconscious of harm or immodesty, they adored the Supreme Being as the Essential Principle of Life; and expressed their veneration by symbols which, in their simple apprehension, best expressed the Divine Functions. The Sun, possessing and diffusing the triune potencies of Heat, Light, and Actinism, was a universal emblem of God; as was the Bull, the zodiacal sign which indicated the vernal equinox and the resuscitation of Time. With equal aptness and propriety the human organs of sex, as representing Divine Love and the Perpetuation of Animated Existence, were also adopted as symbols of the Deity, and models of them employed at all religious festivals. Those symbols were adopted by the Aryan conquerors of India, and incorporated into the Brahmin worship; and we find remains of the prehistorical religion in modern creeds, superstitions, and architecture. The Monumental Shaft, the Cross, the Church-Spire, appear to have been derived from the archaic worship just noted, and mean alike the virile symbol and the life everlasting. Mr. Davenport has given these matters a due explanation, and his work is a rare as well as a valuable contribution to literature. THE DABISTAN, OR SCHOOL OF MANNERS. Translated from the Original Persian, with Notes and Illustrations by An interesting account of the Religions of the world, written by an unknown writer, of the greatest interest to Oriental scholars and comparative mythologists. PETRIE'S ECCLESIASTICAL ARCHITECTURE OF IRELAND, Anterior to the Anglo-Norman Invasion. Numerous engravings of the LARGE PAPER, scarce. London, 1845. This work comprises the Prize Essay on the Origin and Uses of the Round Towers of Ireland, greatly enlarged; and distinct Essays on ancient Stone Churches, &c., of contemporaneous ages. WILKINSON'S ANCIENT EGYPTIANS, The Manners and Customs of. BOTH SERIES, with numerous engravings, many of which are colored. 6 vols. 8vo, tree calf extra, gilt top, edges uncut, scarce. $90.00. London, 1837-41. A BEAUTIFUL COPY. BEST EDITION. ZEND-AVESTA, Ouvrage de ZOROASTRE, contenant ses idées théologiques, physiques, et |