A World of Wonders, with Anecdotes and Opinions Concerning Popular Superstitions

A World of Wonders, with Anecdotes and Opinions Concerning Popular Superstitions

It is surprising, considering the gigantic strides effected by modern science, how many of the errors and prejudices engendered by the ignorance of the dark ages remain current in the world in its present days of enlightenment. Like the winged seeds of certain weeds, their light and impalpable nature renders them only the more difficult of extirpation. A cursory review and refutation of these popular prejudices and vulgar errors has been attempted in the following Manual. A more scientific analysis of so spreading a field would have expanded into a Cyclopdia. But the ancient traditions and modern instances collected in its pages may afford the reader amusement and instruction for the passing hour, as well as an incentive to more profound investigations in hours to come. LONDON, NOVEMBER, 1845. [Pg vii] [Pg 1] A WORLD OF WONDERS. LONGEVITY OF ANIMALS. Most scholars are familiar with the quotation cervi dicuntur diutissime vivere, which has rendered proverbial the longevity of the stag. Among birds, crows and parrots have also been said to attain miraculous length of days; among fishes, the carp and pike; among reptiles, the tortoise. But modern investigation has sufficiently proved that the number of centuries, variously assigned as the natural age of these birds, beasts and fishes, was, in the first instance, the invention of poets and fabulists, carelessly adopted as authentic by lovers of the marvellous. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 42921
Author: Poyntz, Albany
Release Date: Jun 12, 2013
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Poyntz, Albany