XII. Inquiries respecting the Origin of the Inhabitants of the British Islands, in three Letters from the Reverend Samuel Greatheed, F.A.S. to John Wilkinson, M.D. F.A.S.

Extract

The origins of the most celebrated nations are, from natural causes, usually enveloped in obscurity. Their sources, like those of the mightiest rivers, are not only minute, but remote, and often disputable. In some cases, however, the access to them becomes more, rather than less practicable, with the lapse of ages: and it certainly becomes the more interesting, in proportion to the celebrity which nations gradually acquire. To these circumstances, I ascribe that attention with which you have honoured the hints that I have occasionally dropped, concerning the original population of the British Islands. I willingly acquiesce with your desire for a brief detail of my reasons for differing in opinion, on this subject, with writers for whose learning and genius I entertain the sincerest respect. If you judge the following suggestions worthy of being communicated to the Society of Antiquaries, I shall hope that they may lead to a more complete investigation of the subject, and to the correction of any mistakes that I may have committed. I apprehend the inquiry to be well suited to the purposes of their institution, and that it will afford scope to the diversified talents of their numerous members. My endeavour to recommend it to their consideration, will, I hope, be accepted as an expression of my gratitude for the honour of having lately been admitted of their number.