4 



PREFACE. 



figures denoting the volumes, the Arabic figures the pages, 

 where such mention occurs. The transcription followed is 

 that now generally adopted. 2 



The names appear in the form in which they are found 

 in the MSS., but here they vary considerably. 



The same name occurs occasionally in many different 

 forms, as the orthography is not yet settled. This being 

 the case a transliteration requires at times critical considera- 

 tion, as a correct transcription from the vernacular is not 

 always sufficient. I allude here to the great variety in 

 which common proper names are spelt. In former centuries 

 a similar state of things prevailed in Europe. I may mention 

 the different ways in which Sir Thomas More's name was 

 spelt by himself and others. 



The special aim of this and of subsequent indexes is 

 to point out the places where information on particular 

 subjects is supplied. It appears unnecessary to reprint in 

 full what only interests a very few, but this minority should 

 know where to look for information. 



The critical history of Central Asia and India, at which I 

 have been working for the last fifteen years, and of which the 

 monograph on Prester John was an occasional offshoot, is 

 making only slow progress, as very many obstacles bar its 

 completion. The unsatisfactory manner in which we are 

 acquainted with the past of this country, especially the 

 untrustworthy character of the historical material at our 

 disposal, seems to prevent anything like a true description of 

 the events which happened in ancient and even in more 



Consonants. Vowels. Diphthongs. 



(2) Gutturals .. ..kkhgghnhh a a \ & r \ 



Palatals . . . . c ch j jh fi y s' i I j e W ai 



Linguals . . . . t th d dh n r sh r' rl 



Dentals . .. . . t th d dh n 1 s ji jl 



;Labials . . . . p ph b bh m v h. u u 6 (o) au 

 and m 



