Encyclopaedia Britannica Volume 8 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1823 Excerpt: ...in Oratory, is the preamble or beginning, serving to prepare the audience for the rest of the discourse. Exordiums are of two kinds; either just and formal, . or vehement and abrupt. The l-.st are more suitable on occasions of extraordinary joy, indignation, or tb like. See Oratory, No 26. EXOSTOSIS (from -, out, and -fie-, 'a bone, in Anatomy, an acute eminence or excrescence, pushing preternaturally above the bone. EXOTERIC and Esoteric, are terms denoting external and internal, and applied to the double doctrine of the ancient philosophers: the one was public or exoteric; the other secret, or esoteric. The first was that which they openly professed and taught to the world; the latter was confined to a small number of chosen disciples. This method was derived originally from the Egyptians; who, according to the united testimony of Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, Strabo, Plutarch, &c. had a twofold philosophy, one secret and sacred, another public and common. The same practice also obtained among the Persian Magi, the Druids of the Uauls, and the Brachmans of India. The Egyptian priests, with whom it originated, sustained the character of judges and magistrates, and probably introduced this distinction with a view to the public welfare, and to serve the purpose of legislation. and government. Clement of Alexandria informs us, . that Exoteric 'hat they communicated their mysteries principally to those who were concerned in the administration of the state; and Plutarch confirma the same declaration. However, others have supposed that they invented the fables of their gods and heroes, and the other external ceremonies of their religion, to disguise and conceal natural and moral truths-, but whatever was the motive of their practice, it was certa.