[en.wikipedia.org]

Smyth was a 'British Israelite' which was a sort of offshoot of British imperian nationalism and racism. It saw the English or the British as the genetic white lost tribe of Israel.

British Israelism:

[en.wikipedia.org]

It's a facinating area to study, and interesting to see how science and religion could become intimately intertwined. Smyth's father was a preacher iirc. Petrie was also in some ways involved, but rejected the superstitions of his father.

I also found out recently that Lord Kelvin, one of my favourite scientists from Scotland was in some ways a creationist, as he could not accept the scientific evidence of evolution as it conflicted with his strong religious beliefs.

The late 19th century was an odd period ideologically in many respects.

Dave Light



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/01/2008 06:49PM by Dave L.