1839.] 



JRepo7*t on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



397 



enigmas which abound in their historical and mythological works ; but 

 more than this we may get at the key which unlocks the popular mind. 

 Strong as may be the bond of caste ; powerful as may be the spell of 

 mythological fable ; neither are stronger than the astrological conjura- 

 tion, which holds the people under a r charm, more potent than that 

 effected by Prospero's wand ; and has in past ages, even down to the 

 present, rendered high and low orders alike subject to the astrological 

 Brahman : not daring to stir a step, or do a single thing, of any moment 

 without his permission first obtained. So varied and combined, so in- 

 tricate and confused, are the various connected parts of astrological 

 lore, that a state of passive inaction is the only safe position for a 

 genuine Hindu ; and his guide can shew cause, or reasons, almost at 

 his pleasure to cause him to move, or to stand still. That this despo- 

 tic influence should be known, and expounded, for the benefit of rulers, 

 legislators, and teachers, surely must be highly desirable. 



As to the condition of these two copies, No. 67 is incomplete ; some 

 palm leaves in different places, to the extent of forty-three, are wanting ,* 

 neither is it complete at the end. It is a recently copied work ; but not- 

 withstanding is slightly touched by insects. No. 68 is complete, and 

 wholly uninjured : the leaves and writing are quite recent. 



Note. — Both copies are entered in Des. Cat. vol. 1, p. 254, art. iii, 



b. Manuscript Books. 



Manuscript book, No. 15— Countermark 227, Subrahmanya Cadavul, 

 an astrological work. 



The title only means " lord Carticeya ;" apparently technical, in con- 

 sequence of the invocation being not addressed, as most usual, to 

 Ganesa, but to Cumara. The rishis are honoured, the plan of the work 

 is given, and then a variety of astrological particulars follow as to 

 friendly, and unfriendly, aspects of planets, influence of zodiacal signs, 

 lunar asterisms, and similar matters, in somewhat full detail. The work 

 is a thin folio. It is cleanly written, on strong country paper; and is 

 in perfect preservation. It is also complete. 



An enf-'-f ioccurs in Des. Catal. vol. I, p. 254, art. i. 



r 



