19S 



. VI. 



On the Hindu Systems of Astronomy, and their 

 co?inection with History in ancient and modern times. 



BY J. BENTLEY, ESQ. 



IX my last paper on the antiquity of the Stirya 

 Sidd/wnta, published in the sixth volume of the 

 Asiatic Researches, I endeavoured to explain, in 

 as simple a manner as possible, the principles on 

 which the Hindu artificial systems of astronomy 

 are founded. It was my intention to have post- 

 poned the present paper until I should procure se- 

 veral valuable works, which, through the assis- 

 tance of my friends, I am endeavouring to collect 

 from different parts, which would enable me to 

 give a more perfect and satisfactory account of the 

 ancient astronomy and history of India, than I can 

 at present; but having lately, by chance, seen the 

 first number of the Edinburgh Review, wherein the 

 writer has thought proper to attack my last paper, 

 I feel it incumbent on me to come forward as early 

 iis possible, to repel his observations, and to shew 

 how little he is acquainted with the matters he 

 pretends to review. 



The Reviewer says — 



" Mr. Bextley appears to be a mathematician of 

 ** considerable industry and merit. In this disquisi- 

 " tion he has supplied some instructive observations 

 " on the principles of the Hindu astronomy, and on 

 ** the manner in which their cycles were or might 

 *' have been formed ; he has also exhibited useful 

 '*' formulas, shewing their application in discovering 

 *^ the actual position of the heavenly bodies. 



*' His discussion relative to the antiquity of the 

 O 2 



