This is the method, and if we can also get a scholar to analyse the
_names_ of Hottentot gods, we are all the luckier, that is, if his
processes and inferences are _logical_. May we not decide on the _logic_
of scholars? But, just as Mr. Max Muller points out to us the dangers
attending our evidence, we point out to him the dangers attending his
method. In Dr. Hahn's book, the doctor analyses the meaning of the name
Tsuni-Goam and other names, discovers their original sense, and from that
sense explains the myths about Hottentot divine beings.
Here we anthropologists first ask Mr. Max Muller, before accepting Dr.
Hahn's etymologies, to listen to other scholars about the perils and
difficulties of the philological analysis of divine names, even in Aryan
languages. I have already quoted his 'defender,' Dr. Tiele. 'The
philological method is inadequate and misleading, when it is a question
of (1) discovering the origin of a myth, or (2) the physical explanation
of the oldest myths, or (3) of accounting for the rude and obscene
element in the divine legends of civilised races.'
To the two former purposes Dr. Hahn applies the philological method in
the case of Tsuni-Goam. Other scholars agree with Dr. Tiele. Mannhardt,
as we said, held that Mr. Max Muller's favourite etymological
'equations,' Sarameya=Hermeias; Saranyu=Demeter-Erinnys;
Kentauros=Gandharvas and others, would not stand criticism. 'The method
in its practical working shows a lack of the historical sense,' said
Mannhardt. Curtius--a scholar, as Mr. Max Muller declares (i. 32)--says,
'It is especially difficult to conjecture the meaning of proper names,
and above all of local and mythical names.' {106a} I do not see that it
is easier when these names are not Greek, but Hottentot, or Algonquin!
Thus Achilles may as easily mean 'holder of the people' as 'holder of
stones,' i.e. a River-god! Or does [Greek] suggest aqua, Achelous the
River? Leto, mother of Apollo, cannot be from [Greek], as Mr. Max Muller
holds (ii. 514, 515), to which Mr. Max Muller replies, perhaps not, as
far as the phonetic rules go 'which determine the formation of
appellative nouns. It, indeed, would be extraordinary if it were. . . .'
The phonetic rules in Hottentot may also suggest difficulties to a South
African Curtius!
Other scholars agree with Curtius--agree in thinking that the etymology
of mythical names is a sandy foundation for the science of mythology.
'The difficult task of interpreting mythical names has, so far, produced
few certain results,' says Otto Schrader. {106b}
When Dr. Hahn applies the process in Hottentot, we urge with a friendly
candour these cautions from scholars on Mr. Max Muller.