Explorations in Bible lands during the 19th century - H. V. Hilprecht

188 EXPLORATIONS IN BIBLE LANDS
were as public expressions of the growing interest in Assyrian
literature and civilization, and of the constant efforts
made to solve a difficult problem, the positive gain derived
from them was very moderate. There was too much chaff
mixed with the few grains of wheat which remained after
sifting. To have finally accomplished the gigantic task in
all its essential features, and at the same time to have laid
that solid grammatical foundation upon which the young
science of Assyriology graduallv rose like a magnificent
dome, and as a grand monument of the penetrating acumen
and the conquering force of the human mind, is
the lasting
merit of Edward Hincks, an Irish clergyman, and of Colonel
Rawlinson.
The combined labors of these two great British geniuses
shed a flood of light upon a subject where previously nothing
but darkness and utter confusion prevailed.
But the
results at which they had arrived by strictly scientific methods
and through sound reasoning, appeared so extraordinary
and strange even to those who were occupied with the
study of ancient nntions, and their manner of thinking and
writing, that twenty-five years were necessary to secure for
Assyriology the general recognition of the educated classes
of Europe.
The detailed investigations of the many new questions
raised by the successful determination of the numerous
polyphone characters which constitute the Assyrian writing
were, however, carried on vigorouslv bv a tew enthusiastic
scholars of England and France, until, in 1857, a
peculiar but impressive demonstration on the part of the
Roval Asiatic Society 1 led to a public acknowledgment
in England of the correctness of the principles of Assyrian
deciphering and to a general acceptance of its
startling conclusions.
Soon afterwards (1859) Oppert's fundamental
discussion of the whole problem, accompanied by a thorough
1
Comp. p. 130, above.