52f> 



Pcport on the Mdckcnzie Manuscripts. 



[April 



This book is biiotly .MUorod in Dos. Cat. vol. i. p. 252, nrt. vi. 



1 Jala a Kerala alancaram, a treatise on astrology No. G9— Coun- 

 termark 233. 



This manuscript is a poem of one-humired p:ilm-leavos ; probably 

 written according to tbe notions of astrological science prevailing in the 

 Keraladesam, or J/t/Afya'am country. It has a great variety of details 

 on dilferent circumstances, occurring in the course of life ; respecting 

 which mankind have usually been found to have an anxious eye direct- 

 ed towards the future. A full detail, as to native ideas on astrology, is 



quite requisite to a knowledge oftlnnr manners, or motives, or guiding 



pri ncij>les. 



Astrology is inseparable from their mvthology, and both, to an amaz- 

 ing degree, influence the conduct of a Hindu. Both tie him fast under 

 Brahmanical ascendancy. An exposition of Ilhtdu astrology, by a ver- 

 bal translatit)n of recognized systems, seems to mc desirable. It would 

 be a more than usually difficult work, and might require tlie undivided 

 attention of some one individual, for some length of time. Without a 

 knowledge of the local mythology, and the received astrology of any 

 portion of our fellow subjects and fellow men, it seems to me 

 that legislators, and religious teachers, must equally labour in uncertain 

 twilight, without a clear discernment of the subject on which they ope- 

 rate. 



Note. — The book is entered in the Des. Cat. vol. i. p. 255, art. vi. 



16. A^/rya-.sas/m, or the art of building and navigating vessels, No. 

 78 — Countermark 259. 



Some directions are given respecting the materials, and dimensions, 

 of vessels. But the work is chiefly astrological ; in matters relating to 

 prognostications concerning navigation. At the close there is a leaf or 

 two on the raja-yogam : children born under that astrological sign will 

 acquire very great success, and prosperity. 



Remark. — Seven leaves of this tract v*'ere recovered from MS. No. 

 97, and being added to the beginning of this document render it now 

 complete. It is also in tolerably good order, and written in a very legi- 

 ble hand. It seems to be a work of somewhat ancient composition. 



