321 
I found here two Frank or European physicians, six 
others who were natives of the country, and an infinity 
of empirical adventurers, male and female, as in all other 
Mussulman countries. 
The country being peopled with industrious labour- 
ers, and active merchants, triflers cannot make a fortune 
here; hence there are but few magicians or soothsayers 
at Damascus; and if by chance a new one arrives, he 
soon discovers that he is not likely to reap great advan- 
tages. 
There are twenty large schools for children, and a 
great number of smaller ones. The principal branches 
of education are taught in five of the schools, but these 
studies are confined, as in all other parts of Turkey, 
to the knowledge of religion, which comprehends at 
the same time their course of legislation or jurispru- 
dence. 
There are, besides, lectures and public explanations 
daily given at the great mosque, and in some others. 
These instructions are given by about twenty doctors 
of law, respectable for their qualities and knowledge; 
but it may be said that there are but two or three 
among that number who are truly learned in their pro- 
fession. 
The lower orders of people enjoy in general an easy 
competence; there are not many poor to be seen, and 
rarely any beggars. If there are but few blind persons 
to be met with in the streets, there is on the other hand 
an infinity of individuals who call themselves saints, and 
appear as madmen or idiots, with a view to attract the 
veneration of the public. On the occasion of marriages, 
circumcisions, and funerals, the people make very little 
parade or solemnity, and the very rich none at all. Th? 
Vol. II. 2 S 
