Excerpt from The Races of Ireland and Scotland
There are few subjects of ethnological inquiry surrounded by greater obscurity than the origin of the different races inhabiting Ireland and Scotland. A sharp conflict of theory, and a remarkable lack of definiteness, are the main characteristics of the discussion that centres around the subject. Any fresh views, therefore, that rest upon the foundation of scientifically ascertained facts, must be regarded as valuable aids in the solution of an admittedly difficult problem.
It was with these considerations before me that I commenced, some years ago, to study the race problem of the two countries - for they are inseparable - and embarked upon a course of independent research. There was room for the pursuit of original work. The confusion in which the subject is involved was rendered not less, but more, perplexing by a succession of treatises upon parallel lines, and all leading to no certain conclusions.
In the solution of the race-problem, there is no evidence, in my opinion, equal in weight to the proofs supplied by the early forms of ancient place-names. I rest my case largely upon etymologies. They supply the most tangible evidence that it is possible to produce. Place-names cannot lie. Provided the right key can be found to unlock the treasures, they yield the pure gold of truth. But with a false key one can only fumble; one cannot open.
The application of place-names to the solution of Irish and, particularly, Scottish racial questions has been rendered largely nugatory by the method employed. Etymologists have approached the subject with their minds made up.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. Это и многое другое вы найдете в книге The Races of Ireland and Scotland (Classic Reprint) (W. C. Mackenzie)