already noted, lived at about the time of Augustus, and who,
therefore, scanned in perspective the entire sweep of classical Greek
history, has left us a striking summary which is doubly valuable because
of its comparisons of Babylonian with Greek influence. Having viewed the
science of Babylonia in the light of the interpretations made possible
by the recent study of original documents, we are prepared to draw our
own conclusions from the statements of the Greek historian. Here is his
estimate in the words of the quaint translation made by Philemon Holland
in the year 1700:(23)

"They being the most ancient Babylonians, hold the same station and
dignity in the Common-wealth as the Egyptian Priests do in Egypt: For
being deputed to Divine Offices, they spend all their Time in the study
of Philosophy, and are especially famous for the Art of Astrology. They
are mightily given to Divination, and foretel future Events, and imploy
themselves either by Purifications, Sacrifices, or other Inchantments
to avert Evils, or procure good Fortune and Success. They are skilful
likewise in the Art of Divination, by the flying of Birds, and
interpreting of Dreams and Prodigies: And are reputed as true Oracles
(in declaring what will come to pass) by their exact and diligent
viewing the Intrals of the Sacrifices. But they attain not to this
Knowledge in the same manner as the Grecians do; for the Chaldeans learn
it by Tradition from their Ancestors, the Son from the Father, who
are all in the mean time free from all other publick Offices and
Attendances; and because their Parents are their Tutors, they both learn
every thing without Envy, and rely with more confidence upon the truth
of what is taught them; and being train'd up in this Learning, from
their very Childhood, they become most famous Philosophers, (that Age
being most capable of Learning, wherein they spend much of their time).
But the Grecians for the most part come raw to this study, unfitted and
unprepar'd, and are long before they attain to the Knowledge of this
Philosophy: And after they have spent some small time in this Study,
they are many times call'd off and forc'd to leave it, in order to get
a Livelihood and Subsistence. And although some, few do industriously
apply themselves to Philosophy, yet for the sake of Gain, these very Men
are opinionative, and ever and anon starting new and high Points, and
never fix in the steps of their Ancestors. But the Barbarians