Letters on Iceland: containing observations on the civil, literary, ecclesiastical, and natural history; antiquities, volcanos, basaltes, hot springs; customs, dress, manners of the inhabitants, &c. &c / Made, during a voyage undertaken in the year 1772, by Joseph Banks, assisted by Dr. Solander, Dr. J. Lind, Dr. Uno von Troil, and several other literary and ingenious gentlemen. Written by Uno von Troil. To which are added the letters of Dr. Ihre and Dr. Bach [i.e. Bäck] to the author, concerning the Edda and the elephantiasis of Iceland: also Professor Bergman's curious observations and chemical examination of the lava and other substances produced on the island. With a new map of the island, and a represtation of the remarkable boiling fountain called by the inhabitants geyser.

  • Troil, Uno von, 1746-1803.
Date:
1780
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Letters on Iceland: containing observations on the civil, literary, ecclesiastical, and natural history; antiquities, volcanos, basaltes, hot springs; customs, dress, manners of the inhabitants, &c. &c / Made, during a voyage undertaken in the year 1772, by Joseph Banks, assisted by Dr. Solander, Dr. J. Lind, Dr. Uno von Troil, and several other literary and ingenious gentlemen. Written by Uno von Troil. To which are added the letters of Dr. Ihre and Dr. Bach [i.e. Bäck] to the author, concerning the Edda and the elephantiasis of Iceland: also Professor Bergman's curious observations and chemical examination of the lava and other substances produced on the island. With a new map of the island, and a represtation of the remarkable boiling fountain called by the inhabitants geyser. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    t 3o5 ] from the Eaft, they no doubt brought their allegorical expreflions from thence. And, in my opinion, the fondnefs of the ancients for riddles did not contribute a little to thefe metaphors in fpeech ; for their merit frequently confifted in the moft per- verted expreflions, which in procefs of time were revived and admired as beauties. We are not permitted the liberty to judge without diftin^lion in mere matters of tafle and genius, though they widely differ from what is pracflifed in other nations. Mr. Schloczer takes this third and lafl, and perhaps worft argument from the contradiction which I have obferved between the Edda and Snor- re’s Heimfkringla. I wanted to fliew in my letter, that the ancients by their Algard meant the town of Troy ; and this I can prove, by the one having maintainecl the fame things of Afgard as the other does of Troy. My opi^ nion therefore is, that Troy and Af- gard muft necelTarily fignify one and the fame place, unlels we admit that Sturlefon has contradicted himfelf. It