An Essay Towards an Indian Bibliography (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1873. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... organs never nsed in civilized speech, has caused each writer to record his conception of them, in an arbitrary manner, which perhaps no other person would accurately comprehend. T'his has produced the greatest variety of orthographical forms, of the same Indian words. We are utterly unable at this day to recognize a single Indian nation, whose name is recorded by Cabeca de Vaca, in 1542. Mr. Pickering in his essay sought to remedy thi- defect by assuming certain diacritical signs, by the omission of C. J. fo. X. and by additional consonants, formed from combinations of our own. What hope, however, could be entertained of expressing by these means, the Maya and other Mexican languages, in the enunciation of which the lips, teeth, and tongue, have so little function, or in which the strong labial, dental, and even nasal sounds are so seldom used ( Pidgkon (William). Traditions of De-coo-dah. And Antiquarian Researches: comprising Extensive Explorations, Surveys and Excavations of the wonderful and mysterious earthen remains of the Mound-Builders in America; The traditions of the last Prophet of the Elk Nation relative to their origin and use; and the evidences of an ancient population more numerous than the present Aborigines. By William Pidgeon. Embellished with Seventy Engravings descriptive of one hundred and twenty varying relative arrangements -- forms of earthen effigies, antique sculpture, etc. 8 pp. 334 and folding plate. New York: 1858. 1214 This work is the record of personal examination of a great number of ancient mounds and fortifications, and of the traditions regarding them, obtained from an aged Sioux chief. The author was animated by an eager curiosity, which unhappily was directed by no familiarity with science, and accordingly what w...