2i6 BAT A VI A. 
In both professions, however, there have been occasionally 
at Batavia men of talent and character. But an equinoxial 
climate is not more favourable for the growth of the arts and 
sciences than a polar one. To give elasticity to the expan- 
sion of the mind, and ^dgour to those energies of which it is 
capable, the body requires to be placed in that state of ease 
which no art nor pampering luxmies can possibly place it in 
the extremes of heat or cold. Yet with every inconvenience 
attending the worst of climates the Batavian society has 
printed six octavo volumes, which, if they do not display 
much depth of learning, evince at least a laudable desire of 
extending the sphere of useful knowledge. 
The next description of the inhabitants of Batavia, who in 
numbers and in opulence exceed the former, is the Chinese. 
These people, as appears from their records, first obtained a 
settlement on Java about the year 1412. As intruders, but 
not conquerors, it is probable they have at all times been 
subject to harsh and oppressive treatment ; but the restrictions 
and extortions under which they at present labour seem to be 
as unnecessary and impolitic as they are unjust. That they 
should consent to the Mahomedan Malaj^s and Javanese 
exercising their devotions in the same temple which they built 
at their own expence, and consecrated to the god of their 
own worship, is by no means an unfavourable feature in their 
character ; but on the part of the Dutch, Avho enforce the 
measure, it is one of the greatest insults that could well be 
olFercd. The Chinese hospital or infirmary, which was 
erected by voluntary contributions from their own community, 
7 
