Historical Dissertation on Abaris

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§. I.

A large ornamental woodcut initial 'C' features a detailed layered rose and foliage within a square frame.Since I have determined to bring to light as much about Abaris as my resources will allow, I believe that first and foremost it must be inquired in a few words from where his name derives its origin. I judge that the term "Abaris" original: "Ἄβαρις" is to be sought from no other language than that of the Greeks, and I deduce it from the word Baris original: "Βᾶρις", which, according to the opinion of the most excellent lexicographers, designates a species of ship, or according to Herodotus original: "(α) L. II. p. 78. ed. Heinr. Stephani. A. 1570.", that species of ship which the Egyptians used for carrying burdens. To this word Baris, the alpha privative has been added. So that "Abaris" signifies one who lives on the continent and who has no ship (namely, for crossing the sea). Thus Hesychius original: "(β) In V. 'Ἄβαρις.'" says: "Abaris, the mainlander, and not having a baris (ship)."

§. II.

As I consider this, I must confess that no small doubt has arisen for me concerning the name of this philosopher: whether, namely, it is a proper name, or rather an epithet attributed to this philosopher for the reason that, as it is told, he could cross rivers without a ship. It is certain that "Abaris" was a proper name in other instances, as is known from Virgil original: "(γ) Aeneid. L. IX. v. 343. p. 693. ed. Amst. 1690. 4.", who mentions that a certain soldier serving under Turnus and killed by Euryalus bore this name, when he says: