the Egyptians were the first to discover the solar year, and to portion out its course into twelve parts both the space of time and the seasons which they delimit. It was observation of the course of the stars which led them to adopt this divisionIt is also the Egyptians who first bought into use the names of the twelve gods, which the Greeks adopted from them

The trials of living and the pangs of disease make even the short span of life too long.

The most hateful grief of all human griefs is to have knowledge of a truth, but no power over the event.

Unless a variety of opinions are laid before us, we have no opportunity of selection, but are bound of necessity to adopt the particular view which may have been brought forward.

Adversity has the effect of drawing out strength and qualities of a man that would have laid dormant in its absence.

It [Egypt] has more wonders in it than any other country in the world and provides more works that defy description than any otherplace.

Those who are guided by reason are generally successful in their plans; those who are rash and precipitate seldom enjoy the favour of the gods.