Madras Lilerary Society. 227 



Two valuable papers from C./W. Wliish, Esq. at Calicut: 



1. On the alphabetical notation of the Hinduhs. 



2, On the Hinduh quadrature of the circle, and the infinite 

 series for the proportion of the circumference to a diameter, ex- 

 hibited in the four Shasters, Tantra, ISangraham, Yukti, Chasha, 

 Karanu-Padhatih, and Sadratna Matan. As also, by the same 

 gentleman, copies of two inscriptions on stone in the Tiruvanoor 

 pagoda, near Calicut ; with copies in modern Tamul letters, and 

 a translation of one of them into English. 



A letter from J. Munro, Esq. at Tellicherry, accompanied by 

 a donation of a curious old Persian and Latin work by Lewis Da 

 Dieu. 



A letter from the secretary of the Asiatic Society, presenting 

 seven volumes of their Researches to the society. 



A considerable number of drawings of the various tribes and 

 castes, male and female, composing the community of Malaya- 

 lam, were laid on the table. These are understood to give a 

 very accurate idea of the characteristic features of those people, 

 and were executed by an able native artist, under the immediate 

 direction of a gentleman, to whose kindness and zeal in promot- 

 ing the objects of the institution, on this as well as ou former 

 occasions, the society is much indebted. 



A ground rattan from the Ri-m Ghat in the western range, 

 north of the parallel of Goa, and stated to be 225 feet in length, 

 was presented by Lieut.-col. Blacker, through the medium of 

 Major Macdonald. 



Tlie Hon. Sir E. Stanley moved the thanks of the society to 

 the Hon. Sir John Newbolt, for his able exertions as President, 

 which was unanimously carried, and the President returned 

 thanks in a neat and impressive speech. The President having 

 withdrawn, it was moved, and carried unanimously, ThatSir John 

 Newbolt, their fust President, by whose able exertions the so- 

 ciety had been established, and under whose fostering care it had 

 attained so great a degree of success, be requested to continue 

 President of the society, and that an acting President be elected 

 at next meeting. 



It affords us great pleasure to state, that the President having 

 conveyed to the Hon. the Governor the unanimous wishes ex- 

 pressed at the last meeting of the society, Sir Thomas Munro 

 was pleased accordingly to do the society the honour to accept 

 the oiFice of Patron, in the room of the late governor, the Right 

 Hon. Hugh Elliott.— Mfl<;/. Gov. Gaz. Sept. 7. 



Ff2 XXXVI. In- 



