A History of Indian Literature v1.c8.s6.54

v1.c8.s6.54

monotonous variations of one and the same idea are particularly characteristic of the writings of persons in the stage of *imbecility*.” He then gives a few examples of notes written down by insane persons which have been preserved by psychiatrists, and these do indeed show a striking similarity with many of the prayers of the Yajurveda.¹ We must not forget that here we are not dealing with very ancient popular spells, as we find them in the Atharvaveda and in some cases even still in the Yajurveda, but with the fabrications of priests who had to furnish the countless sacrificial rites subtilised by themselves with equally countless spells and formulæ.