Birmingham age-herald., 1895-07-06

Anthropologist, discusses that most com plex topic, "Similarities in Culture" In these columns the question has been often asked, how comes 1t that in differ ent types of mankind there are found words" art products, industries, social structures and customs, folk tales bene- fits and divinities, and even literatures. in their selection or fashioning and in their final usage, we might say, to meet the same needs" all men worked in the same direction. Take, however. the con- sideration of beliefs, which are purely mental and how do there happen to be these strange "rapproachments? Here is an example: In the most ancient of manuscripts of Java, the east is supposed to have distinct color, and 1t is white. Poetically conceived, the silver palace of the east is bathed in sea of eocoanut milk" and the tutelary bird is a white one. In his Maya primer, Dr. Brlnton says the name of the east wind is indi- cated by white color. There are four points of the compass, but why should white be the same color for the wind of Java and South America. Would this show, as discussed by Prof. Cyrus Thom- as, contact in prehistoric times between American and Oceanic people?
 As far as we can make them out, the school books of the early Egyptians were very uninteresting compilations Known under the title "sbot,' they were essentially teaching or lesson books. The form of instruction takes always one form. Some great sage or scholar or king imparts his experiences. Some times the books contain brief maXims, which are excellent and quite applicable today, but more frequently these lessons seem to us oYerembellished, until the real sense escapes. Possibly these books were intended not for children, but for young men. Great stress appears to have been put on literary style To write letter correctly and in proper form is always held in these books, to be the acme of polite education. The old Egyptian would have committed great breach of propriety had he written to his friend: How are you?" He had to couch his phrase somewhat in this way: 'I say continually to Re Harmachis at his rising and setting, and to Anon Re and Ptah, and to the other gods and friend Mayst thou be in health. Mayst thou live long! Mayst thou be happyi o, that I might see thee again in health and embrace thee in my arms" The high-born Egyptian was redundant in his letter writing, and to acquire epis- tolary horidity must have practieed the art from his early childhood.
 Those timekeepers, the Pleiades, have been used to mark the days from the most remote periods. MT. T. w. Fewkes, describing the fire ceremonies of the Peublo Indians of Tusayan, says that. having been present on two such oceas- ions in 1892 and 1893, he found that the error of time made by the Indians as to the 18th of November in those two years was insignificant. It was the cul- imitation of the Pleiades, which told the Indians the proper time for the begin ming of their rites.
 The State Normal College, Florence, Ala, Opened in 1873 with fifty children. all from Florence Last year it enrolled 34t, mostly mature persons and teachers, learning improved methods. These rep resented all parts of Alabama and sev- eral other states. Next year 400 are wanted, and 800 within five years.
 $100 will defray a years expenses, in- cuding board. Not more than $15 re- quired in any one month
 Fall term opens September IF, 1895.
 If you need trained teacher, or wish further information, send for cata- logue. JAS. K. POWERS,
 7-2-tf President. Y.P.s. E. Convention, Boston, Mass, July
 10-14.
 The Louisville and Nashville railroad has been chosen as the official route to the above mentioned meeting. Rate is only one fare for the round trip.
 Special sleepers leave Birmingham at 12 o'clock Sunday night, July '.
 For detailed information as to route, sleeping car reservations, write to F. s. Ball, Montgomery, or W. P. Taylor, Bir- mingham.
 The undersigned will also be glad to give any information.
 R. F. BEAsLEY, N