Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 December 2013
This was a raft, and not a boat, or even a rude imitation of a boat. Many of the difficulties connected with the well-known description of its construction in the fifth book of the Odyssey have been increased by the confusion of these ideas.
Homer, ‘qui nil molitur inepte,’ is evidently well acquainted with ships, and with a seafaring life, and all its technicalities. In this respect he differs from Hesiod, who (possibly glancing at the manifest σοφία about ships displayed by the older bard) expressly tells us that, unlike his father, he is
Εργ. 647.
page 210 note 1 σχϵδίη. The derivation seems doubtful. It may be (1) connected with ἔχω, σχϵ·δί-η. That which holds together, cf. σχε-δόν, tenendo ; or (2) σχϵδ-ί-η collective to σχέδ-η, scheda, billet, plank. Curt. Et. Gr. 246, 617. Cf. scandula, shingle, split stuff for roofing. Cf. our rafter, and its collective raft. This last will agree with Hesychius, ξύλα, ἃ συνδέουσι καϵ οὕτωπλέουσι. The word is also used of the planking of a bridge, and of a wooden roof constructed over a theatre (Athen. l. iv.).
page 210 note 2 πολυδέσμον. Characteristic epithet, recurring l. 338, the ‘many fastenings’ are the chief problem of the construction, cf. Hdt. ii. 96.
page 213 note 1 Od. xx. 574, and compare the phrase Polyb. i. 38 έκδρυόχων ναυπηγϵȋσθαι, also δρυόχους τιθέναι δράματος.
page 217 note 1 Cf. Ap. Rhod. ii. 615 εὖτέ μιν Ἄργος γόμφοισιν συνάρασσϵν
page 217 note 2 Cf. Il. xxiii. 255.