ral individuals in this walk, have, of late years, adorned our philosophical Journals, and conferred on their authors a just and well merited portion of public approbation; but nothing comparable, in the general plan, to the systematic arrangement and scientific exposition of the copious and well deThe following article is re-printed from fiued mass of materials, now ushered into the world by Doctor Ainslie of Madras, had bian Indian Journal, which has taken pleatherto made its appearance in India.--What

INDIA.

sure in characterizing the work alluded to, in the highest terms of praise. Copies of the performance have been received at the India House; and we have inspected them, with some care, but not at leisure sufficient to venture an opinion on the merits of the book. We conceive, however, that the mere action of arrangement, and description of the articles, is no small service to science; and that much new and valuable information must be comprized in such a laborious undertaking. The history and application of articles attached to the Materia Medica, of the processes they undergo, and their uses in different states, interests European practitioners, no less. than those of the faculty who may be called to practice in India, more particularly.

ever sources of knowledge in Medical prac-
tice or the Materia Medica were accessible-
either in the MSS. Volumes, Oral traditions,
or practical experience of the best informed
Hindu Vaidayas-Mussulman, or Persian
Doctors; they were resorted to by the Au-
thor with eager and animated research;
their various judgements and opinions were
impartially weighed, and the most consis-
tent and satisfactory conclusions, most of
them verified by his own experiments and
observation, were selected to illustrate the
Articles treated of. Near two Decades of
our fleeting years have passed over the
Doctor's head while engaged in this impor-
tant arduous pursuit the completion of
which has now been successfully accom
plished.

The work is modestly enough entitled
Materia Medica and Agriculturists
Nomenclature

Foreign Literary Gazette.

The application of the ingenious in their several arts and trades, may afford valuable hints to our manufacturers. On the whole, we recommend the naturalization of this work, or of its principal contents among us :-but, at the same time, repeat our notice of the imperfect manner in which we have hitherto been able to examine it.

of Lower Hindostan :

though it embraces the Medical Substances and practices of a much wider range.

The collection into one body of the scattered facts, that are to be found in the writings and traditional practice of creditable Hindoo, and Mussulman Physicians for ages past, relative to the subjects comprehended under this title, cannot fail to form a Store-house of valuable materials, at all times of ready reference, and very often, of useful application in the pursuits both of professional men, and others, who are anxious to obtain a more enlarged acquaintauce with the products and arts of this most anciently civilized portion of the Globe.

MATERIA MEDICA OF HINDUSTAN.

The circumscribed and indefinitive degree of knowledge hitherto acquired by Europeaus relative to the natural history and medicinal qualities inherent in the Vegetable productions of India, has for a long time formed a subject of regret, and excited among the literary world in general, and the medical tribe in particular, a laudable curiosity for the possession of more accurate ideas in this extensive and un-furnishing points of comparison-and explored field; accordingly, from time to thence suggesting modes of improvement time various objects under the head of most probably destined to augment the Desiderata, have been propounded for re- comforts, and promote the happiness of search and elucidation, and as tasks pecu- distant countries, and of ages yet unborn. iarly incumbent on the medical faculty to In a work so generally replete with va

To the Botanical tourist, as well as to those interested in the commercial and agricultural prosperity of our Indian territories, it will form a most instructive Vade Mecum, in indicating topics of much curiosity, as well as sterling utility: frequently

undertake. The insulated labours of seve-luable matter, we shall only briefly advert VOL. II. Lit. Pan. New Series. Aug. 1.1

2 E

|

to the manner of execution.-Its general arrangement is of plain and obvious utilities, viz. into two Catalogues: of which the first comprehends in the three first Sections, the British, and Tamul Articles from the vegetable kingdom, and metallic substances; the fourth Section styled Artisan's Nomenclature, is exclusively devoted to the description of materials employed by the Hindoos in their Arts and Manufactures, and of the processes adopted in their preparation and use, respectively-which last are summarily but accurately detailed, and this in proportion to the interest they inspire, or the utility derived from their manufactured produce. All the Articles are in alphabetical order, and with correct Botanical references affixed.

Cat. No. 2, or Agriculturist's Nomenclature,

Contains seven sections, in which are similarly enumerated, and their uses indicated (with systematic definitions), the various kinds of corn and grain.-Fruits wild and cultivated, and all other edible vegetables that serve chiefly, either as nutriment, or are adopted as condiments, in the Dietetic economy of the Hindoos. As thig list and description comprehend almost all the sorts that are known or used, from the sources of the Nerbudda to Cape Comorin, ou both sides of the Peninsula we may form some judgment of the interesting nature of its contents.

An Appendix follows with

1st. The names of Diseases in English, and their corresponding ones in three of the vernacular languages of Hindostan.

2d. List of Books, chiefly Medical, in the Tamul, Persian, Arabic, and Sanscrit languages, by authors of the most approved reputation.

those encountered by future labourers in the same line-whose task is comparatively light, and chiefly confined to the simple addition of facts to the heap already laboriously accumulated-or the correction of errors 66 quos aut incuria fudit-auț humana parum cavet natura."

ANCIENT ORIENTAL WRITING. This may be as proper a place as any that is likely to be found at present, for resuming a slight notice of M. Lichtenstein's work on the Assyrio-Persic characters, commonly called the "nail-headed letters." Vide 488 of the present voP

Jume.

It appears by a careful analysis and exkins, that these characters, as pointed out amination of M. L.'s work, by Dr. Wilby that writer, do really coincide with the Power of the Arabic letters, as already known to us, aud may be expressed by them, for the most part;-the language itself, also, becomes intelligible by means of the Arabic, and other cognate dialects. characters called Persepolitan, and ac But this observation is confined to the tually extant at Persepolis, and elsewhere in Persia. From the same investigation it results, that the Babylonian characters, though at first sight, to the unlearned eye, and even to the learned eye, the same, are not really the same. On close examination, the differences are considerable; many of the characters are more combined, are more frequently repeated euch into itself, or into others, whether to form words, or to form phrases, cannot, as yet, be determined. Whether, these, and other partculars, may be allowed to mark different eras in the progress of the same character, or whether these be different characters, essentially, used among different people, at the dissimilarity arises, must remain for the same era, or from whatever other cause the discovery of future literati. This information will not diminish the regret of the inquisitive for the non publication,—or at least the non-arrival, of M. Lichtenstein's intended second volume,

rious examinations made, and making, by It is very far from unlikely, that the va our countrymen in different parts of Persia, and other countries where those remains are found, may eventually enable us, by means of comparison, to obtain further acquaintance with these most ancient alphabets, and thereby with the manners of the earliest societies of men, and of the facts comprised in their history,

INTERESTING INTELLIGENCE

FROM THE

BRITISH SETTLEMENTS IN INDIA.

BENGAL.

PROGRESS OF THE RIGHT HON. THE
GOVERNOR GENERAL.

Some particulars respecting the Governor General's (Earl Moira,) Tour to the Northern Provinces, from 2nd of October, to Nov. 9, 1814.

The visit of a Governor General of India, with his lady, his court, and his suite, is

Oct. 24.-Early in the morning, Nus

an uncommon occurrence. In itself, it jus-su-rooddeen Hyder Khaun, the _Nawab's tifies attention: whatever other purposes may be included in it, or whatever other consequence may attend it. We understand that it is distinguished by magnificence; and that the ceremonies and occurrences to which it gives occasion, are perpetuated by the pencil of a gentleman in attendance on his Lordship-in due time, we trust, to be communicated to the public. The following are anticipations of a few incidents, collected from information derived through

and was there politely received by the Earl son went one coss in advance to Fattijung, of Moira, and his Highness the Nawab proceeded a considerable way for the purpose of meeting his Excellency. The meeting took place near the Kalupechar, when a salute was fired from his Highness's guns.

various channels.

His Lordship and suite left Calcutta in a numerous fleet of boats, or rather of gilded barges, resembling those used by the Lord Mayor, and the City Companies, on the Thames, in public procession. The Ganges has rarely seen a water excursion so splendid.

Oct. 2.—His Lordship's dining pinnace, and some other boats of large draught of water, were unable to proceed beyond Allahabad, and had consequently been left at that station to await the return of the party. His Excellency the Nawab Vizier had sent tents and elephants with every kind of equipage for the Governor General's accommodation, to meet his Lordship a short way above Allahabad; the weather hitherto has been cool and pleasant.

Oct. 8, The Governor General and Countess of Loudon and family arrived at Cawnpore, and alighted at the house of Mr. Grant, the Collector of Customs. His Highness the Nawab of Oude left Lucknow on the 7th, for the purpose of giving the Governor General the meeting at Cawnpore, and accompanying him to his own capital.

Tyger and Cheeta, (a species of Panther) fight. The head-quarters were established at Constantia.

Oct. 25.-The Rt. Hon. the Governor General and Suite entered Lucknow, and were received with much splendour and magnificence. His Lordship witnessed a

Oct. 15.-The Nawab of Onde and his near relations, were sumptuously entertained at dinner by his Excellency the Governor General on the 17th, the Nawab witnessed a review of the European cavalry and infantry, held by his Excellency the Commander in Chief, with whom he afwab returned to his own capital. terwards breakfasted. Next day the Na

His Lordship and the Nawab then ascended the same Elephant, and proceeded through the city scattering money amongst the crowd, the shops of the Bazar were colours, and in every corner sets of singing beautifully ornamented with variegated girls were dancing. About 8 o'clock, the cavalcade reached the Nawab's residence, called Furrah Buksh. On their alighting, and the Company's guns; after breakfast, a salute was again fired by his Highness's his Lordship and the Countess of, Loudon proceeded to the mansion of Major Baillie, the British Resident, and on their entrance were welcomed by a salute. The Nawab's son and the officers who had accompanied Major Baillie now took their leave. Next day the Nawab visited his Excellency at General Martin's house, Constantia, and retired on having received the customary presents, after breakfast, he was saluted both on his arrival and departure. On the 27th, his Excellency and Suite repaid the Nawab's visit, and after the repast wit nessed a splendid display of fireworks.

Oct. 28.-Ilis Excellency the Governor General, and his Highness the Nawab, with their respective suites, were present at an elephant fight at Buree Burawan. Several elephants engaged, and several were wounded; when the party adjourned to breakfast at the palace, and in the evening returned to the city.

of the Peace, was given by his Highness
Nov. 4.-A grand dinner in celebration
Loudon, and the ladies and gentlemen of
to the Governor General, Countess of
the station. On the 5th, the Governor Ge-
peral was present at a tyger fight, when
an extraordinary occurrence took place.
2 E 2

Commercial Prosperity: Money scarce.

Jun. 7, 1815-The aggregate value, at prime cost, of goods shipped for England at the port Calcutta since August last, is estimated at nearly one crore and thirty lacs of rupees. It is, therefore, not extra

On the march to Lucknow, great pre-ordinary, that an unprecedented scarcity cautions were taken to baffle the attempt of cash should be felt, and that the difficul of the thieves who have hitherto invaria-ties of mercantile establishments should have accumulated to an extreme degree. These may be judged of from the following particulars relative to the existing state of money transactions, Company's Paper¬ 14 per cent. discount; Private Bills scarcely possible to be discounted, from the want of means, at 2 to 3 per cent. per month; Cash on deposit of Company's Paper, 1} to 14 per cent. per month, &c.

Owing to some mismanagement, the palisadoes of the Arena were imperfect, in consequence of which, several tygers burst through them, and got among the crowd, but fortunately they did no further damage than scratching a few individuals.

bly derived large booty from visitors of rank to that metropolis. We have not heard whether the precautions were completely successful, and still expect to hear of some losses, as these professional Gentlemen deem it a point of honour to allow no persons of distinction to pass to the Court of Lucknow without paying contribution. In this manner, they may be said to participate with the Nawab in the pleasure derived from the arrival and reception of strangers. The young ladies, the daughters of Lord Lake, on his first visit, were completely plundered of wearing apparel and the whole paraphernalia of their toilets; and few who have any thing of value escape an assessment, proportioned to the extent of their means and their want of vigilant precaution.

[This character of Lucknow merits observation, but Meerut is supposed to be the station most infested with thieves of any in India, notwithstanding military patroles, who wound, and even kill these wretches. Houses are so constantly annoyed by robbers, that a hired guard of several matchlock men, besides Chokeedars, is deemed indispensable to every gentleman's bungalow-not seldom in vain.]

Since their arrival in Rohilcund, the gentlemen in his Lordship's retinue have been often plundered by thieves, whose depredations during the long dark nights have been daring in the extreme. Besides trunks and small articles of value, the robbers have in some instances carried away furniture and different parts of the tent aud equipage.

The Governor General was encamped on 15th November at Kashepoor, on the We are happy to say that the health of the Countess of Loudoun, who had been indisposed was completely

route to Hurdwar.

re-established.

CALCUTTA.

COMMERCE.

A New Insurance Society is established in this city, denominated the "Globe Insurance Office;" it commences operations in favour of the commercial world, on Ja. uary 1, 1815,

Extensive Fire.

A fire recently broke out at the Dhur motollah, at the back of M. Le Fraud's stables, Calcutta, which burat till the neighbouring houses, 500 in number, were consumed.

The Doorga Pooja.

The annual Festival of the Doorga Pooja was celebrated lately with all the concomitants of tinsel, paint, glare and clamour commonly observed.

We have heard it remarked by some, that the splendor is less dazzling and the expence less profuse every year, and that this decay has been gradual and very perceptable. This may be just; for as the great families multiply, we have more houses, and fewer wealthy inhabitants. That there is no diminution of hospitality, and that the desire to please which is to

us

the greatest attraction, is not diminished, we boldly aver; and judging by the distance travelled and the hours to which the company remained, many of the principal gentry sought, and probably found, something worth going to see.

The great novelty was the performance of divers feats by a Kashmeerian youth, who exhibited with two drawn swords, and with a swo d and scabbard, turning

round to the measured cadence of a tabor. The best description we can give of his adroituess will be, to say, that he effected all, while in motion, without the least giddiness, which an expert man would probably attempt while standing still. He continued his gyrations for many mis nutes, and the form of his dress, the movements of his arms, and the noise, all combined to persuade many who were perhaps giddy at the sight, that he turned with uncommon velocity: the fact however, is, that he did not revolve more than 50 times in a minute.

in weight. In the first place, wheresoever they fell a great dust rose from the ground, and after the dust subsided, a heap of dust (Chakri) was formed, and in that dust (Chakri) were found the stones, a piece of one of which is enclosed in this letter as a specimen. The particulars follow below:

In the district of Lank, seven stones were found.

In the district of Bhaweri dependant on Begum Sumroo, four.

In the district of Chal, belonging to the Pergunnah of Shawli, three. At Kabout, belonging to the Pergunnah of Shawlif, five. In all, nineteen stones were found.

On the 5th of November current, being Saturday, while half a watch of the day still remained (i. e. half past four, p. m.) there was first of all heard a dreadful peal of thunder, and then stones rained down in sight of the inhabitants of the country, each stone being thirteen or fifteen Seer*

• The Bengal Seer weighs 2ib. Ooz. 13dr.