The Shemite, in speaking of the quarters of the heavens, etc. supposes his face turned towards the east; so that the east is before him; the south on his right hand; the north on his left hand, and the west behind him; and the various words employed to designate the quarters of the heavens have literally the signification mentioned (Voyage en Syrie, tom. i. p. 297; Shaw's Travels, p. 329).