142 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [July, 



matters on which Mr. McLeod has done them the honour to consult 

 them, they would venture to express the opinion that it is desirable 

 to adopt for general use the European scientific terms for which 

 equivalents are not found in the vernacular languages." 

 In introducing the motion, he observed as follows : — 

 " I would beg to call attention to the exact words of my motion. 

 I direct it solely and entirely to terms which are not found in the 

 vernacular languages. I do not suggest the substitution of European 

 for vernacular terms, where the latter exist : I only say that when 

 there is no vernacular word to express the meaning of anything or 

 any idea which education and civilisation have introduced into 

 India, it is better simply to adopt a widely known and easily used 

 European term, than to coin an artificial and affected new word from 

 the Oriental classical languages. When the subject was mentioned 

 at the last meeting, it appeared that some gentlemen might doubt the 

 propriety of my motion on one or other of two grounds — first, several 

 gentlemen seemed to think that the subject was not one proper to be 

 discussed and determined by this Society ; and a smaller num- 

 ber of gentlemen seemed to prefer the coining of Oriental to the 

 adoption of European terms. As respects the first objection, I repeat 

 that while we can dictate to no one, it appears to me that, to secure 

 uniformity of practice, nobody is likely to exercise such moral weight 

 as this Society. And it is no mere theory that I uphold. It is a 

 matter of pressing practical importance. Sir D. Macleod speaking as 

 Lieutenant- Governor and officially addressing the representatives of 

 the founders of the first Oriental University established in India, has 

 deliberately urged them to eschew European terms, and to adhere to 

 Oriental models in their scientific technology. This advice is almost 

 a command, and once adopted, it may long be thought necessary to 

 follow it. I doubt not that, whatever may be said, the greater con- 

 venience of simple and universal European terms, and the great pre- 

 ference for them exhibited by the Native Public, will eventually lead 

 to their adoption ; but meantime there may be great divergence and 

 discordance, and much harm may result. Sir D. Macleod himself lias 

 sought our advice, and the Council has placed before us the address 

 which contains his emphatic declaration in favour of Oriental termino- 

 logy, and made it the subject of a vote of thanks. There is no doubt 



