427 



had these puslules break out on them, and that from the matter 

 thereof children were infected; acknowledging, however, that he 

 spoke not this much from ocular knowledge, but from report/' 



Mr. John Underwood, senior, a valuable friend and near 

 relation of mine, who resided many years at Madras in a me- 

 dical capacity, beloved and respected by his own countrymen 

 for his hospitality and social virtues, and highly esteemed by all 

 classes of the natives for his universal benevolence and profes- 

 sional abilities, frequently corresponded with Surfojee, rajah of 

 Tavjore, a most amiable benevolent character, and particularly 

 fond of studying anatomy. Mr. Underwood sent the rajah a 

 body where the heart and every artery and vein were carefully in- 

 jected with coloured wax. This preparation would give him a 

 correct idea of the course of circulation, and the insertion of seve- 

 ral muscles. The rajah was much gratified by a present which 

 enabled him to pursue his studies with increased delight, and 

 rendered him more useful in his sovereignty. The following letter, 

 in acknowledgement of this valuable present, was written by the 

 rajah to Mr. Underwood; which, in a Hindoo prince, indicates 

 a mind unusually liberal and enlightened; sufficient to encourage 

 a lively hope towards the advancement of literature, art, and 

 science; extending ultimately, perhaps, to establish Christianity 

 in that part of Hindostan, where there are already several protes- 

 tant churches; for Surfojee, rajah of Tanjorc, was the friend and 

 patron of Swartz, for near half a century the apostolical mis- 

 sionary of Coromandel ; whose prudent zeal truly blended the 

 wisdom of the serpent with the innocence of the dove. The Hin- 

 doo sovereign shed tears at the death of his venerable christian 



