VII. Historical Remarks on the introduction of the game of Chess into Europe, and on the ancient Chess-men discovered in the Isle of Lewis; by Frederic Madden, Esq. F.R.S. in a Letter addressed to Henry Ellis, Esq. F.R.S., Secretary

Abstract

The origin of the Game of Chess, like the origin of Romance, has been the subject of frequent discussion, and for a long period seemed to be enveloped in nearly equal obscurity. But, in tracing the former, we possess one considerable advantage over those who have discussed the source of fiction in the middle ages—the acknowledged fact, that the game of Chess could not have been produced by more minds than one, although it may subsequently have been modified, improved, or altered, according to the genius and habits of the people by whom it was adopted. It is sufficient, therefore, at present to assume, on the authorities produced by the learned Dr. Hyde and Sir William Jones, that for the invention and earliest form of this game we mustlook to India, from whence, through the medium of the Persians and Arabs (as demonstratively proved by the names of the chessmen), it was afterwards transmitted to the nations of Europe.