- CHAP. I. At the time of the Jewish Captivity in Egypt, Ptolemy Philadelphus reveals himself as the first great bibliophile. He desires to have all the books in the world in his library; in order to get the Laws of Moses he offers to trade 100,000 captives for that work exclaiming, "It is a small boon indeed!"
1: A important comparison of God and Zeus.
- CHAP. III. In which is described the most exquisite and beautiful table ever produced. Also other rich gifts, Interesting in the light of recent excavations in Egypt.
1: A cubit is 18 inches.
- CHAP. V. A description of the city and the countryside. Compare Verse 11 with conditions of today. Verses 89-41 reveal how the ancients estimate a scholar and a gentleman.
1: A furlong is 1/8 mile (i. e. 220 yards). 2: This account of the measures adopted at Alexandria to prevent the depopulation of the countryside[...]
- CHAP. VI. Explanations of the customs of the people showing what is meant by the word, "Unclean." The essence and origin of the "God-Belief." Verses 48-44 give a picturesque description of the Divinity of physiology.
1: Compare this quaint idea with 1 Corinthians, IX, 9.
- CHAP. VII. The arrival of the envoys with the manuscript of the precious book and gifts. Preparations for a royal banquet. The host immediately upon being seated at table entertains his guests with questions and answers. Some sage comments on sociology.
1: Compare this attitude toward criminals with that of the so-called modern humanitarian view. Also [...]
- CHAP. VIII. More questions and answers. Note Verse 20 with its reference to flying through the air written in 150 B. C.
1: Written about 150 B. C.!
- CHAP. IX Verse 8 epitomizes the value of knowledge. Verse 28, parental affection. Note especially the question in Verse 26 and the answer. Also note the question in Verse 47 and the answer. This is sage advice for business men.
1: There were foreign residents in those days too. 1: The policy of a fair wage for a fair day's work is here seen to be not so modern as we sometimes [...]
|