Studies in Central American Picture-Writing: First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to The: Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80,: Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, Pages 205-245

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the deciphering of hieroglyphic inscriptions from ancient Central American civilizations, particularly focusing on the ruins of Copan and Palenque. It explores the principles of interpretation related to these inscriptions, aiming to uncover the methods used by their creators and the information they intended to convey. The opening of this work introduces Holden's motivation and approach to the study of Central American hieroglyphs. He discusses his prior familiarity with the works of John L. Stephens, which fostered his curiosity about the meanings behind the inscriptions. Holden outlines his plan to systematically decipher these inscriptions, addressing key questions such as the linguistic unity of the inscriptions and the directional reading of the hieroglyphs. He expresses a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of grounding his conclusions in demonstrable evidence while avoiding conjecture beyond his knowledge of the subject matter. Furthermore, the introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the characters and symbols that underpin these ancient writings.