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ON T,HAI OR SIAMESE LAW, 
INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 
The original elements of Siamese Law had undoubtedly an ancient 
origin, and were intimately allied to, if they did not actually spring 
from, some Hindu Code. But Laws, from whatever source derived, 
must, in process of time, accommodate themselves to the genius, the 
habits, propensities, and, in some measure, to the geographical posi¬ 
tion, of the people who use them. The modifications which they un¬ 
dergo, will render Digests and Commentaries indispensable: and 
from these will eventually emanate a body of popular enactments 
with which will be blended traits of national character and social po¬ 
lity.* 
Independent of that interest naturally attached by the reflecting 
portion of mankind to whatever contributes to elucidate the various 
degrees of mental energy possessed by different nations; and to the 
exposition of the many causes which may, at different periods, have 
increased or diminished it; there are, as in this instance, frequently 
local circumstances tending to connect practical utility with the sub¬ 
ject. 
To the investigation before us some degree of local interest may 
be said to attach. 
The Siamese have been for several years past near neighbours to 
the British in their Settlement of Prince of Wales’ Island. They 
now border closely on the newly conquered Provinces of Temiase- 
rim. 
There is besides a considerable population of Siamese, who have 
placed themselves under British rule, both as settlers on Penang and 
as agriculturists in Province Wellesley, on the main coast of Keddah; 
and who are consequently subject to a British Court of Judicature. 
In a political point of view, also, it is presumed that we ought not 
to be ignorant of the real character, prevailing ideas, and capacities of 
The Laws o f a nation form the most instructive part of its History.— 
Gibbon. 
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