Page:The chronology of ancient nations (IA chronologyofanci00biru).djvu/26

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4
ALBÎRÛNÎ.

The matter standing thus, it is our duty to proceed from what is near to the more distant, from what is known to that which is less known, to gather the traditions from those who have reported them, to correct them as much as possible, and to leave the rest as it is, in order to make our work help him, who seeks truth and loves wisdom, in making independent researches on other subjects, and guide him to find out that which was denied to us, whilst we were working at this subject, by the will of God, and with his help.

In conformity with our plan, we must proceed to explain the nature of day and night, of their totality, i.e. the astronomical day, and assumed beginning. For day and night are to the months, years, and eras, what one is for the numerals, of which they are composed, and into which they are resolved. By an accurate knowledge of day and night, the progress towards learning that which is composed of them and built upon them, becomes easy.

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