[ 598 ] 
XXX. An Account of the Bramin’s Obfervatory at Benares. 
By Sir Robert Barker, Knt. F. R, S . ; in a Letter to 
Sir John Pringle, Bart. P. R. S. 
SIR, 
Read May 2 9» T3 E N A RES in the Eaft Indies, one of the 
*777- JTj 
principal feminaries of the Bramms or 
priefts of the original Gentoos of Hindoftan, continues 
ftill to be the place of refort of that fe<5t of people; 
and there are many publick charities, hofpitals, and 
pagodas, where fome thoufands of them now refide. 
Having frequently heard that the ancient Bramins had a 
knowledge of aftronomy, and being confirmed in this by 
their information of an approaching eclipfe both of the 
Sun and Moon, I made inquiry, when at that place in 
the year 1772 , among the principal Bramins, to endea- 
vour to get fome information relative to the manner in 
which they were acquainted of an approaching eclipfe. 
The moft intelligent that I could meet with, however, 
gave me but little fatisfaftion. I was told, that thefe 
matters were confined to a few, who were in poffeflion 
of certain books and records ; fome containing the myf- 
teries 
