Ossian Collection > Thoughts on the origin and descent of the Gael

THOUGHTS
ON THE
ORIGIN AND DESCENT
OF THE
GAEL.
JNTRODUCTION.
Whoever is desirous of acquiring knowledge
of the state and condition of mankind, as they
now exist, under various appearances and cir-
cumstances, on the face of the earth, may be
amply gratified by consulting those extensive
sources of information, which the intercourse of
modern civilized nations with the inhabitants of
this globe, in all its regions, has laid open to the
eye of curiosity. The observations and re-
searches of modern travellers, of different talents
and descriptions, have increased our intelligence
of the nature and properties of our species.
They have exhibited to view manners and cus-
toms so much diversified, modes of living, habits
and rules of conduct, sentiments and opinions,
apparently so adverse and inconsistent, as may
A