516 On the Use of the Siddhdntas [Oct. 



they treat of, the study of them would seem indispensable, to give us 

 a due command of their mathematical modes of expression. I earnestly 

 hope, that some persons better qualified than myself, may be induced to 

 undertake the task of translation. I do not refuse the task ; but I 

 confess my present incompetence, from my own limited knowledge of 

 mathematics, to understand and follow the authors of these learned 

 works in their more abstruse calculations; and the never-ceasing pres- 

 sure of arduous and responsible public duties, prevents my devoting 

 such time to the study as would better qualify me for the duty. It 

 would be unjust in the public to expect, and imprudent in me to promise 

 much ; what I can, 1 will do. But the public may with much justice 

 turn their eyes upon those men of science at the head of our schools, 

 colleges, and literary institutions now scattered over India. To a Mill, 

 a Yates, a Tytler, a Sutherland, a Thoresby, and many other 

 distinguished scholars of this Presidency, and to the two Jervises 

 of the Engineers, and to many gentlemen of the Scotch and 

 American Missions, so much distinguished for their labours in the cause 

 of education, on the Bombay side of India, the task would be easy ; I 

 hope it will not be declined. 



Extract from Bhdskar A'chdryas Treatise on the Globes. 



fire fe^w s!^^5m?J5TTf^fErt7?i ^n?Rr n ^\'n 



Verse 21st. This sphere of the earth, formed of the five elementary principles, 

 viz. earth, air, water, the ethereal atmosphere, and fire, is perfectly round, and en- 

 compassed in the orbits of the moon, Mercury,Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn ; and 

 lastly, by that of the constellations. It has no material supporter, but stands 

 fixed in air by its own inherent force. On its surface, all living and inanimate 

 objects subsist throughout, as well titans, as human beings, gods, as well as 

 daityus. 



Verse 22nd. Its surface is bespread on all sides with numberless mountains 

 and groves, towns and buildings, as the bulb of the flower of the Kadamb tree is 

 covered with filaments without number. 



Verse 23rd. Let it be admitted, that this eartlTis supported by any material 

 substance, or living creature, still for the support of that, a second supporter is 



