DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6552#0133
APPENDIX.
105
It is probable tbat tliey were all carried up in tbe same manner,
and tbat tbese steps were alluded to by Herodotus ; as tbe courses
of tbe stones could not have afforded space for machinery of any
extent of power. Mr. Perring, however, has formed a different
opinion as to the interior construction of the Second Pyramid.
The hieroglyphics in the chambers of construction in tbe
Great Pyramid, and those in the Fourth, are evidently quarry-
marks ; and the total absence of tbese inscriptions forms a striking
contrast to the rest of the Egyptian tombs. The hieroglyphics
and decorations in the Third Pyramid have been in some degree
accounted for.
As it had been supposed that the inclined passages were
intended for astronomical purposes, I mentioned the circumstance
to Sir John Herschel, who, with the utmost kindness, examined
the annexed Table, and entered into various calculations to ascer-
tain the fact. I also informed Sir John of the allusion in the
" Quarterly Review" to M. Caviglia's remarks respecting the
polar star,3 and likewise of its having been seen by Captains Irby
and Mangles from tbe inclined passage in the Great Pyramid at
the period of its culminating, on the night of 21st March, J817.4
M. Caviglia's remarks, contained in a letter to Mr. Hamilton,
dated September 21st, 1818, are as follow :—
" Tons les chemins qu'il y a dans rinterieur de ce monument
(la Grande Pyramide), ceux qui sont en pente, forment un angle
de 27° avec ceux qui sont en ligne horizontale. Mais ce qui a
mi rite mon attention est que Ton cesse de voir i'Etoile Polaii e
on avant qu'on eut bouche le chemin Ton cessoit de descendre
pour monter."
M. Caviglia, no doubt, could have seen the star from this
passage, but the manner in which he observed it is not clearly
described; nor can, after all, any conclusion be drawn from the
present length of tbe passage, either from the entrance to the
beginning of the ascending communication, or in any other parts
°f't, because, owing to the dilapidated state of the exterior of
wedges, and lliey were afterwards removed; so that these operations appeared to
nave tieen performed simultaneously by successive gangs of workmen. It was
llierefore evident that the advantages of a division of labour were duly appreciated
by the antient Egyptians.
3 1 beg leave to assure Sir John Herschel that I fully appreciate the honour he
has done me by having considered the question, and by having allowed me to pub-
lish the highest possible authority on this interesting subject.
4 See If. Caviglia's "Discoveries in 1817;" "Translations and Abstracts of
various Authors."
105
It is probable tbat tliey were all carried up in tbe same manner,
and tbat tbese steps were alluded to by Herodotus ; as tbe courses
of tbe stones could not have afforded space for machinery of any
extent of power. Mr. Perring, however, has formed a different
opinion as to the interior construction of the Second Pyramid.
The hieroglyphics in the chambers of construction in tbe
Great Pyramid, and those in the Fourth, are evidently quarry-
marks ; and the total absence of tbese inscriptions forms a striking
contrast to the rest of the Egyptian tombs. The hieroglyphics
and decorations in the Third Pyramid have been in some degree
accounted for.
As it had been supposed that the inclined passages were
intended for astronomical purposes, I mentioned the circumstance
to Sir John Herschel, who, with the utmost kindness, examined
the annexed Table, and entered into various calculations to ascer-
tain the fact. I also informed Sir John of the allusion in the
" Quarterly Review" to M. Caviglia's remarks respecting the
polar star,3 and likewise of its having been seen by Captains Irby
and Mangles from tbe inclined passage in the Great Pyramid at
the period of its culminating, on the night of 21st March, J817.4
M. Caviglia's remarks, contained in a letter to Mr. Hamilton,
dated September 21st, 1818, are as follow :—
" Tons les chemins qu'il y a dans rinterieur de ce monument
(la Grande Pyramide), ceux qui sont en pente, forment un angle
de 27° avec ceux qui sont en ligne horizontale. Mais ce qui a
mi rite mon attention est que Ton cesse de voir i'Etoile Polaii e
on avant qu'on eut bouche le chemin Ton cessoit de descendre
pour monter."
M. Caviglia, no doubt, could have seen the star from this
passage, but the manner in which he observed it is not clearly
described; nor can, after all, any conclusion be drawn from the
present length of tbe passage, either from the entrance to the
beginning of the ascending communication, or in any other parts
°f't, because, owing to the dilapidated state of the exterior of
wedges, and lliey were afterwards removed; so that these operations appeared to
nave tieen performed simultaneously by successive gangs of workmen. It was
llierefore evident that the advantages of a division of labour were duly appreciated
by the antient Egyptians.
3 1 beg leave to assure Sir John Herschel that I fully appreciate the honour he
has done me by having considered the question, and by having allowed me to pub-
lish the highest possible authority on this interesting subject.
4 See If. Caviglia's "Discoveries in 1817;" "Translations and Abstracts of
various Authors."