CHRONOLOGY is defined[1] as 'the science which treats of measuring time by regular divisions or periods, and which assigns to events or transactions[2] their proper dates.' In the first place, we may consider the reckonings used by the Aborigines, which usually took their origin in the need of some rotation for the rites of Pagan worship. The new moon, full moon, and winter solstice have been severally so used. Or the seasons were sometimes marked off by stellar appearances and disappearances. The Zulus call the Pleiades the Digging Stars, as indicating the season for cultivating the soil. The rising of the Nile has likewise aided the fellahin in dividing the year. 'It has risen to within a few hours of the same time, year after year, for unknown ages. At Khartoum it begins to increase early in April, but in lower Egypt the inundation usually begins about the 25th of June, and attains its height in three months; it remains stationary for about twelve days, and then subsides.'[3] The recurring migrations of birds may also be mentioned in the same connection. A missionary[4] tells of a rude reckoning in use among the South Sea Islanders. They had made a deep cut in the earth—as a reminder of some massacre—and year by year
Page:Chronologies and calendars (IA chronologiescale00macdrich).pdf/18
Chapter II.
The Evolution of Eras.
