396 



JRepo7 y t on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



[Oct. 



9. Tiru-niidur-Vaidyam, No. 92 — Countermark 255. 



This also is a medical work, complete in sixty-two palm leaves, and 

 not injured by insects. 

 It is entered in Des. Catal. vol. 1, p. 260, art. x. 



10. Vaidi/am Napattettu, or forty-eight stanzas on medicine, No. 

 91— Countermark 251. 



A tract on medicine, ascribed to Agastya, which should contain 48 stan- 

 zas ; it wants the last one : the remainder is complete, and in good order. 

 It is entered in Des. Ca(al. vol. 1, p. 259, art. vii. 



11. Ullam udiyan, No. 67— Countermark 230. 



12. Another copy, No. 68— Countermark 229. 



These are copies of a work on astrology and divination. The literal 

 rendering of the title is " the possessor of the interior," whether it 

 relate to thought, mind, or purpose. The title is also that of an indivi- 

 dual to whom the work is ascribed ; but I rather think that, the author's 

 real name being unknown, the title of the work itself became in progress 

 of time applied to him, as a distinctive appellation. The work is po- 

 pular; and takes in a great compass of matter, on the subjects to which 

 it relates. These are the influences of the planets ; the effects of the 

 signs of the zodiac ; and similar matters purely astrological : and in di- 

 vination, it teaches the art of discovering things lost, or things con- 

 cealed, and of explaining to persons what they may hold folded up in 

 their hand, or what may be the secret purport, or intent, of their minds. 

 In a word, it is on the occult sciences, for which Egypt and Chaldea of 

 old were famous ; which rule in this country, at present, with absolute 

 sway over the superstitious minds of the people ; and of which rem- 

 nants are found in every country of the globe. 



The composition of these two books is mingled verse and prose; but 

 the latter predominating. I regret that I cannot make the subject one 

 of study : even my examination of such a work must necessarily be su- 

 perficial. But I do not hesitate to state my opinion that, subordinate to 

 a good knowledge of the history and mythology of the Hindus, thenext 

 thing,in point of importance^ an intimate acquaintance with "di^ir occult 

 sciences. By the means of this work, and similar ones we mSt *&c m 

 quire a better knowledge, than we as yet possess, of the Hindu celes- 

 tial sphere; absolutely requisite in order to solve the astronomical 



