Primitive Literature, Part I [pp. 161-164]

THE LADIES' REPOSITORY.
CINCINNATI, JUNE, 1841.
Original.
PRIMITIVE LITERATURE.
BY L. L. aA~aINE.
TilE reader is reminded that this periodical is intended as a provocation to female genius. At present
it scarcely aspires to be a guide, because guidance is
less needed than impulse. Of what use were the pillar
of fire to the Israelites while groaning in Egyptian
bondage 1 In concert with other influences, the Repository is laboring to draw woman into higher spheres of
mental action and eajoyment. It assumes that she has
a Canaan to possess, towards which she has scarcely
started-that the fields of literature are a land of promise, where she is offered an inheritance. It persuades
her to pass through the terrestrial paradise to the celestial~to take the temple of science, in her way to the
heavenly temple. To effect this, it urges literature on
her attention, addressing its topics to her as a juror,
because if she err in her verdict, no weighty interests
are periled, while the discussion renders her familiar
with, and in some degree intelligent of its themes.
This is said to be hazardous, because it solicits her attention to that which presents few attractions to female
taste. If so, we will venture to hope that a conviction
of duty and the expectation of utility will secure her
attention until taste is reformed. Then will literature
be to her a source of exquisite gratification. A probation of' resolute reading will certainly create a relish
for letters.
These remarks were suggested by the following incident. Just as the words "PRIMaTIYE Lrvxx~vux~"
were placed at the head of the sheet, a friend at my
elbow exclaimed, "What! primitive literature for
ladies!" as though it were a disorderly proceeding.
But where is the error i. It is a curious theme; and
ladies have curiosity. It bears on the philosophy of
mind; and ladies have minds. It is often a subject of
conversation, and ladies can converse. True, the female reader may not be called formally to discuss this
or similar themes; but to-morrow may find her in a
circle where she will hear it discussed, and should she
not be prepared to receive instruction from the argument ~ She may be assured that it would detract
nothing from her charms. Gentlemen take no particular satisfaction in the stupid simplicity with which an
untaught woman listens to a conversation on literary
subjects. The Chinese proverb is, "To renounce science is the virtue of woman." Thanks to Providence,
we have no such maxim. Unromantic, therefore, as
is the theme, some will bestow upon it an hour's attention. It shall not be treated scholastirully. The object
shall be to present it in a shape which will interest
VoL L-21
those who have but a slight acquaintance with antiquity.
oxinix oF LxvTsxs.
Literature is very ancient. It commenced with
alphabetical writing, but at what period is unknown.
Whether written language was alwnys in use, and
whether it was a human invention or a divine donation, have been debated by the most learned of Christian ages. Dr. Clarke deems the decalogue the earliest
written production. He thinks that the writing mentioned in the seventeenth chapter of Exodus signifies
"a monumental declaration of Joshua's victory by some
symbolical representation." He denies that the wisdom of the Egyptians, in which Moses was educated,
embraced alphabetical writing; otherwise, there had
been no need of God's act and assistance in writing
the two Tables of the Law. He adds, "there are no
vestiges of letters subsisting among other nations till
after the delivery of the law at Mount Sinai; and as
then God is said to have written the decalogue with
his own finger; and as after this time writing is always
mentioned whenever a suitable occasion offers, I conclude that God first taught the use of alphabetical characters to man."
Eminent Christian fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, and Eusebius the historian, were of the same
opinion; and with them agree several able scholars of
modern times. But others have dissented.' A learned
German professor states that "twenty4wo hundred
years before Christ, the Hebrew tongue was so far cultivated, as to have become a written language, as is
clear from the document in the twenty-third chapter of
Genesis, written in the age of Abraham."~ In the
chapter referred to there is no allusion to a contract in
writing. But it is stated that the field of Ephron "was
made sure to Abraham in the presence of the children
of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of the city."
This does not indicate a conveyance by writing, but
rather a preparation to maintain newly acquired possessions by the testimony of many living witnesses,
and by far-famed tradition. Thus were the ancients
wont to transact important affairs, making a heap of
stones or plucking off a shoe, the token of a public
covenant.
Mr. Watson is of the opinion that alphabetical writing was in us& long before the existence of the decalogue. In proof of it he refers, with Jahn, to the
twenty-third chapter of Genesis. If the fact were as
he supposes, the reference is unsatisfactory. He adduces, however, many other and stronger reasons, which
are persuasive, but not conclusive. He say~
"In regard to alphabetic writing, all the ancient wri
*Jal'n.