388 
Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 
Orta. Since we have both practised in the profession which you 
have followed since we studied together, and which has brought you 
to India, it is but right that you should tell me of anything in which 
I may be able to help you, and to that end I will henceforth devote 
myself. 
Ruano. You must know then that although I came here, because 
I have a share in the ship in which my brother-in-law came as factor, 
I could nevertheless have excused my coming by his. But, I had a 
great wish to know of the medicinal drugs (which in Portugal are 
called " de hotica''^), and other medicinal simples which are found here, 
and of all fruits, and of pepper, the names of all of which I should 
like to know in various languages. I should also like to know where 
they are obtained and what trees or plants bear them, and how the 
Indian physicians use them. I should also like to know about other 
plants and fruits of this land even if they are not medicinal, and of 
the customs of this land and of things which happen here, because 
they will be told truthfully, having been seen by you or by persons 
worthy of credence. 
0. In all these things I shall help you and tell you the truth. But 
I fear the things I shall have to tell may not be worth note ; for so 
learned a man, who knows so much in theory, nothing but uncommon 
things will content. 
R. If they satisfy you they will satisfy me, and it may be that you, 
because you know them, do not value them, and I, because I do not, 
may esteem them highly, as is according to reason. And since certain 
physicians who went from hence to Spain could not give me any expla- 
nation of these things nor satisfy my understanding, I should warn 
you that our conversation must be recorded, and for this purpose I 
have prepared a book in which all the questions are written in alpha- 
betical order. 
0. Well, senhor, since your curiosity makes you desire to learn, I 
will tell you the little I know from to-morrow forward ; but as our 
friendship is so great and so old, it must be under the protest that 
whatever may not be well said, you will, without adulation or flattery, 
point out to me, and upon these conditions I promise to serve you and 
tell you the little I know, and then I will tell you both of the things 
which I know well and those about which I have doubt, stating only 
the truth upon oath. 
R. By this, as I say, I shall receive a great favour ; and now, if it 
please you, we will go to rest : but I am not sure I shall be able to 
sleep on account of my anxiety to question you in the morning. 
