Adams, Walter M.: The house of the hidden places: a clue to the creed of early Egypt from Egyptian sources (London, 1895)

I.] The Entrance of the Star. 19

which, as is well known, may he defined by
reference to the position of the pole-star. For,
taking as the date of the IVth dynasty that
given by Dr. Brugsch (about B.C. 3700),* we
find that about two hundred and sixty years
later (b.c. 3440), the pole-star of the period
(Alpha-Draconis) occupied, as Professor Smyth
bas pointed out, just that position ; so that
it would shine right down the passage. And
thus the disciples of the Master of the
Secret, who in successive generations must
have watched for more than two centuries
the approach of the star, would receive in
•ts final co-ordination the most convincing

In deference to the very high authority of Dr.
Brugsch, on all matters connected with Egyptian history,
t have adopted, and still adhere to the date which he
estimated for the Grand Pyramid. The recent discoveries
°I Mr. F. Petrie may perhaps point to an earlier date ;
il"d the question cannot be considered as settled; but
°u such a point the general harmony witli other historical
records is the supreme test: and of that knowledge
llonu Was more skilled than the great master whom we
have recently lost.