The Intellectual And Moral Culture Of Mankind.

mutations of such a nature and so slow in their development as only to be perceptible to our senses when measured by the lapse of thousands of years . The great impediment , however , to perfecting the science amongst the Egyptians consisted in its intimate association with astrology

and its concomitant superstitions , such as divination , chiromancy , and magic . That at this ¦ period the mechanical and constructive arts were beginning to be tolerably well known practically , if not theoretically ,. is sufficiently evident from the works of magnitude which remain as monuments to this

day , forming as it were the landmarks which indicate the gradual progress of civilization . While touching upon the subject of architectural monuments , it may be as well to notice one characteristic of the Egyptian obelisks , which clearl y evidences the existence of a great amount of taste

and also a thorough practical knowledge of the laws of symmetry and natural beauty . It has often been stated that there is no such thing as a straight line in nature , and it is a certain fact that in their obelisks the Orientals followed nature in this respectfor instead of making the sides

, and other apparent plane surfaces true geometrical planes , they were finished convex in a curve appi'oaching most nearly to that known as a hyperbola , and thus was imjoarted an appearance of fulness and beauty to the structure which would

otherwise be unattainable—the use of strai ght lines and flat surfaces in architecture invariabl y producing a hollow and meagre aspect . It is advisable now that we are treating of that period which is marked by the dawn of science to discuss some of the mystic arts which then , had

their birth , as astrology and magic . In order to illustrate thoroughly the mental culture of the human race , we must show the weaknesses as well as the strength displayed by the human understanding , and we may compare the gradual development from age to age with the progress in

an individual life from infancy to manhood , and we shall find that as the man is more practical than the youth , and the youth than the child , so the mental faculties of nations have inclined more and more to utilitarian views as the world has aged , this of course leads to an increasing degree

of development of the natural resources of each country , modified from or extended beyond the average in accordance with climate , and resulting in physical development of the inhabitants . Let us see upon what theory tha belief in astrological influence can be supportedupon what

, mental basis its superstructure is reared , and while considering this matter let it not be forgotten that the science has even in our own time , and in our own land , yet some disciples ; however , it is not our present purpose to anticipate those subjects with which we must deal hereafter .

The varying results due to the influences of the stars have been ascribed to the differences of position of certain of the planets at the birth or origin

of the matter of which it is desired to know the future or the climax . Thus , if the whole life of an individual is sought to be foretold , the loci of the heavenly bodies at his or her birth are taken as the criteria wherefrom to judge of coming events ; if the climax of a project is the object soug-ht to

be known , it must be read from the map of the heavens at the instant that idea of such project arose in its author ' s brain . Now it is easily seen that even if we granted that astrology were a true science , there are many ways of excusing its failure under any circumstances by errors of time

or by the inexperience of the predicator , for although any one may draw a figure showing the altitudes of the planets , yet only those experienced in the assumed values of such positions and combinations of positions are qualified to interpret them . The basis of the belief is this , that the

planets exercise a radiating sympathetic force upon organic nature , varying with their angular positions in regard to the earth , aud that the same rays of force under which an idea arises , will determine and fix in the brain of the ori ginator the mode in which he will develope that idea , then the results will be in accordance with the manner

and intensity of his exertions . It is scarcely possible to argue upon the merits of an occult science , opinions can only be formed empirically from experience , but we cannot avoid commenting upon an absurd pseudo-avgamenb we have heard brought forward to try and prove that some professing a

belief in astrology were insincere in that profession . A figure was cast as to a certain commercial undertaking , the reply was , "it will seem to progress well for some time ( a few months ) but ultimately will fail .- " The issue was exactly as predicted ; when somo

individuals in criticising the affair said , " well , if they believed in the science honestly , why did they not , when they learned from their oracle that it would fail , give up their project V The reply to

this is simple , if the science really were reliable they ( the projectors ) must go on for some while in accordance with the prophetic statement that "it will seem to progress , '" and by the theory wo have alluded to , the course of action in their minds is determined when the idea arises , and if

determined cannot afterwards be altered . It appears desirable here to remind our readers that we are not trying in this case , nor shall we in any other , either to support or overthrow the particular views under elucidation , our sole object being to treat our subjectswhile dealing with the culture

, of the human mind , as clearly as possible historically , leaving it to others to form their own opinions from the details as to the accuracy or inaccuracy of those thoughts and beliefs which have from time to time arisen in the brain oi

man . Less comprehensible than astrology appear tho various arts of magic which arose contemporary with it , it is , in fact , difficult to ascertain it' their