1889.] V. A. Smith — Grceco-Roman influence on Ancient India. 215 



and that a real connection exists between the Sanskrit dramas and the 

 New Attic Comedy of Menander and the other writers of his school. 



" We must," says the Professor, " recognize either a wonderful case 

 of pre-established harmony, or the existence of Greek influence on the 

 Indian drama." 



The section is mainly occupied with an analysis of the arguments 

 advanced by Dr. Windisch. 



It is not contended that any Indian play is a translation or free 

 adaptation of a given Greek piece. On the contrary, the best Indian 

 plays are the work of native genius of high order, employing native 

 materials in its own way, and for its own ends, but first set in motion by 

 a powerful impulse received from abroad. The case of the drama is 

 analogous to that of the Amaravati sculptures. 



Chapter IX. Grceco-Moman Influence on the Religion, Mythology, Science, 

 and Philosophy of India. Conclusion. 



In this concluding chapter the author does not attempt to discuss 

 the vast subject indicated by the heading, but merely takes a cursory 

 glance at some of the results of modern research. 



It is plain that Hindu religion and mythology were considerably 

 affected by Hellenic influences, and the Hindu systems of philosophy, 

 specially the Vedanta, show marks of Western influence. 



It is now admitted that Indian astronomy, as an exact science, was 

 learned from the Alexandrian astronomers of the school of Ptolemy. 

 Some competent scholars deny the originality even of the logic and 

 grammar of India. Whatever be the exact degree of the indebtedness 

 of India to Greece, it is now certain that ancient Indian civilization was 

 much less original and self-contained than the early European Sanskrit 

 scholars supposed, and that the Sanskrit literature (excepting perhaps 

 the Yedas) does not date from a very remote period. 



The concluding paragraphs draw attention to the startling historical 

 problem propounded by the sudden appearance in India during the third 

 century B. C. of long documents in two diverse, highly developed 

 characters, of stone architecture, stone sculpture, chronological eras, 

 inscribed coins, and a missionary state religion. 



The paper will be published in full in the Journal, Part I. 



3. Natural History Notes from H. M.'s Indian Marine Survey 

 Steamer ' Investigator,' Commander A. Carpenter, R. N. Commanding. 

 No. 10. List of Pluronectidae obtained during the years 1888 and 1889, 

 with description of new species. — By A. Alcock, M. D., Surgeon Naturalist 

 to the Marine Survey. 



The paper will be published in full in the Journal, Part II. 



