been complied by a faithful disciple and constant companion of Apollonius, and were known by a title equivalent to our term "Scraps." It would appear, further, that these early works were so notoriously imperfect, that a compete revisal of this strange history had become desirable.
The work of Philostratus is not only interesting in itself, and more amusing, if I might be allowed to say so, than many modern novels, but it is one of the most instructive books we possess. It throws considerable light upon the manners, ideas, and creeds of the period. We are enabled by its aid to understand more of the moral aspect of times which it is almost impossible to realize when studied by the light of Roman history. It admits us at once into the religious atmosphere which would of necessity influence the sympathies of Pagan thinkers. On all these grounds it richly deserves the high rank assigned to it by modern criticism, amongst the many documents which relate to the third century. Its interesting character will be more easily understood if we bear in mind the source from which it sprang. History
