A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c9.s2.52

c9.s2.52

Those who only take into account the general object of the Śatapatha-brâhmaṇa, have called it a running commentary on the Vâjasaneyi-saṃhitâ. But this applies strictly to the first nine books only, and with the tenth book the Brâhmaṇa assumes a new and more independent character. The tenth book is called the Agnirahasyam, the mystery of the fire, and it refers to no particular portion of the Sanhitâ, but enlarges on the ceremonies which have been described in the four preceding books. Towards the end (x. 4. 6.), it contains two chapters, which, in the Kânva-śâkhâ, form the beginning of the Brihadâranyaka-upanishad, and are there followed by the Madhu-kânḍa, the Yâjnavalkîya-kânḍa, and Khila-kânḍa of the 14th book of the Mâdhyandina-śâkhâ. The tenth book or Agnirahasyam closes with its own genealogy or Vanśa.