Both Uses of
archaeology
in
Moby Dick
- And that the Egyptians were a nation of mast-head standers, is an assertion based upon the general belief among archaeologists, that the first pyramids were founded for astronomical purposes: a theory singularly supported by the peculiar stair-like formation of all four sides of those edifices; whereby, with prodigious long upliftings of their legs, those old astronomers were wont to mount to the apex, and sing out for new stars; even as the look-outs of a modern ship sing out for a sail, or a whale just bearing in sight.†
Chpt 34-36
- Having already described him in most of his present habitatory and anatomical peculiarities, it now remains to magnify him in an archaeological, fossiliferous, and antediluvian point of view.†
Chpt 103-105 *
Definition:
the study of ancient cultures through study of material remains
In recent years, the spelling of "archeology" has become more popular for many in the United States; however, as of 2022, most archaeologists and the New York Times prefer "archaeology."