BOOTAN. 
153 
much enjoyed the foolish figure they made on the sensation of a 
shock. At last we found it difficult to collect volunteers, for they 
all grew remarkably shy of the machine. The Raja, however, seemed 
to derive so much amusement from it, that I could not find in my 
heart to deprive him of such a source of entertainment; so I ieft the 
apparatus in his hands, with such directions as I thought necessary : 
and if its charms do not cease with its novelty, I have no doubt of his 
being able at any time to use it. The Raja had a mechanic turn, and 
delighted in exhibiting the works of his artists, which were less re¬ 
markable for ingenuity than for strength. He reckoned himself pos¬ 
sessed of extraordinary good iron, and indulged a high opinion of the 
arms fabricated from it. It was a favourite amusement with him, to 
examine the few mathematical and optical instruments we had with us; 
and Mr. Saunders afforded him a great treat, by shewing his chirurgical 
instruments, and explaining their uses. 
The versatility of genius, and spirit of inquiry, which he possessed, 
liad qualified him for the practice of physic, equally with any of the 
profession in his own dominions; and he had a perfect knowledge of 
every medicinal preparation in use among them: yet he entertained a 
just opinion of our superior skill; and, desirous of profiting as much 
as possible by the opportunity, he ordered his chief physician to attend 
on Mr. Saunders, and avail himself of his instructions. The Raja wil¬ 
lingly parted with specimens of all his drugs, and gave an account of 
their reputed properties: in return, he received from Mr. Saunders 
whatever he could spare from his chest. The virtues of one medicine 
he put to the test while we were with him; this was ipecacuanha. 
