DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0204
OPERATIONS CARRIED ON AT G1ZEII.
165
February 22d.
Reis, 7. Men, 9G. Children, 43.
Great Pyramid.—Excavation in southern front.
- King's Chamber.
- Davison's Chamber.
- Northern Air-channel.
Second Pyramid. — Portcullis.
infancy, and the effects upon a beautiful and intelligent race of chil-
dren, particularly in wet and cold situations and seasons, can scarcely
be imagined. Yet, with all the advantages of regular wages, and
exemption from severe labour whilst employed at the pyramids, of
attention to their comfort, and to any little accidents that might occur,
and of medical aid and of food to the sick, and likewise of a positive
prohibition of severe measures, and of corporal punishment, these unhappy
people were totally insensible to the kindness shewn to them. Indeed,
on the contrary, they practised every possible imposture and deceit
to obtain money, food, medicine, &c. &c.: and, at last, their insolence
and idleness arrived at such a pitch, that the only alternative was to
give up the work, or to have recourse to the usual means of coercion.
What might be effected by a long and continued exercise of rewards
and punishments, witli power, at the same time, to enforce obedience,
and habits of industry, I know not; but, I am certain, that in the pre-
sent state of things, no business can be carried on without the dread of
corporal punishment. The children work with the greatest alacrity, and
appear susceptible of great improvement; but, with a few exceptions,
the men, from some cause or other, appear incapable of exertion,
and incorrigibly idle. In justice to the Pacha, it must be confessed,
that he has established schools in every large town, and appears to be
extremely anxious to civilise his people ; but the education of the boys
can have but little effect, while the female part of the population are
plunged in the grossest ignorance. It has been well observed, that the
antient system of Egyptian superstition survived the repeated conquests
to which the country was subject, and at last yielded only to the
Christian dispensation; and it may be doubted whether the present
degraded and miserable condition of these people can ever be effec-
tually improved, except by the same beneficial influence.
165
February 22d.
Reis, 7. Men, 9G. Children, 43.
Great Pyramid.—Excavation in southern front.
- King's Chamber.
- Davison's Chamber.
- Northern Air-channel.
Second Pyramid. — Portcullis.
infancy, and the effects upon a beautiful and intelligent race of chil-
dren, particularly in wet and cold situations and seasons, can scarcely
be imagined. Yet, with all the advantages of regular wages, and
exemption from severe labour whilst employed at the pyramids, of
attention to their comfort, and to any little accidents that might occur,
and of medical aid and of food to the sick, and likewise of a positive
prohibition of severe measures, and of corporal punishment, these unhappy
people were totally insensible to the kindness shewn to them. Indeed,
on the contrary, they practised every possible imposture and deceit
to obtain money, food, medicine, &c. &c.: and, at last, their insolence
and idleness arrived at such a pitch, that the only alternative was to
give up the work, or to have recourse to the usual means of coercion.
What might be effected by a long and continued exercise of rewards
and punishments, witli power, at the same time, to enforce obedience,
and habits of industry, I know not; but, I am certain, that in the pre-
sent state of things, no business can be carried on without the dread of
corporal punishment. The children work with the greatest alacrity, and
appear susceptible of great improvement; but, with a few exceptions,
the men, from some cause or other, appear incapable of exertion,
and incorrigibly idle. In justice to the Pacha, it must be confessed,
that he has established schools in every large town, and appears to be
extremely anxious to civilise his people ; but the education of the boys
can have but little effect, while the female part of the population are
plunged in the grossest ignorance. It has been well observed, that the
antient system of Egyptian superstition survived the repeated conquests
to which the country was subject, and at last yielded only to the
Christian dispensation; and it may be doubted whether the present
degraded and miserable condition of these people can ever be effec-
tually improved, except by the same beneficial influence.