The River-Names of Europe

A historical and linguistic exploration written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into the origins and meanings of the names of rivers across Europe, emphasizing the linguistic roots and etymologies that trace back through various ancient languages, including Celtic and Sanskrit. Ferguson aims to categorize these river names based on their historical significance and geographical characteristics. The opening of the book establishes the author's intent and methodology, explaining how names given by early Asian immigrants to European rivers often retain their ancient forms due to the strong resistance to change inherent in their appellations. Ferguson outlines how names like the Danube and Rhine illustrate the multiplicity of names across cultures and the combination of linguistic elements from different languages, shedding light on the evolution of river names. He emphasizes the importance of philological research in uncovering the historical context and linguistic roots associated with these geographical features.