From the introductory.
No satisfactory explanation has yet been given of the order in which the Greek state stand upon the celebrated monument dedicated at Delphi from the spoils of the battle of Platæa. As is well known, the monument consisted of a golden tripod, standing upon a bronze column of three intertwining serpents. The inscription begins upon the thirteenth coil from the base, and the names stand in a single column, three upon each coil, with the exception of the fourth and seventh,, upon which there are four, and the third, which has but two. The names of the Tenians and Siphnians, which stand fourth upon' the seventh and fourth coils respectively, are very badly written and it is admitted that they are later insertions.
The difficulties in the arrangement of names may perhaps best be indicated by stating the chief theories that have been advanced in explanation, and the overwhelming objections to them.
