Sketch of the Mythology of the North American Indians First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 17-56

"Sketch of the Mythology of the North American Indians" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the philosophical underpinnings and mythological narratives of various Native American tribes, delving into their explanations of natural phenomena through mythic lenses. Powell's study reveals how each culture interprets the cosmos through their mythology, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the evolution of human thought. At the start of the publication, Powell outlines the essential elements of mythology as a philosophical approach, contrasting it with scientific thought. He emphasizes humanity's innate need to question the natural world and how this leads to the development of different philosophies across cultures. The opening also touches on the broad spectrum of myths among Native American tribes, illustrating how their narratives emerge from personal experiences and communal beliefs about the forces of nature. Powell’s analysis encourages readers to appreciate the depth of Native American mythologies and their significance in shaping cultural identity and philosophical thought. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Wesley Powell was an American geologist, U.S. Army soldier, explorer of the American West, professor at Illinois Wesleyan University, and director of major scientific and cultural institutions. He is famous for his 1869 geographic expedition, a three-month river trip down the Green and Colorado rivers, including the first official U.S. government-sponsored passage through the Grand Canyon.