and the treasures of Saadut Ali might have borne the expense of producing something better than a map in which Sicily is joined on the toe of Italy, and in which so important an eastern island as Java does not appear at all.—[Book G. page 160.] 8th March, 1836.
Persian Version of the Kamus.—I fear that we cannot properly comply with this application. We should, as far as I can judge, only be throwing good money after bad. Two thousand Rupees is far too much to lay down for the chance, a very poor chance too, it seems of having thirty copies of a Persain and Arabic Dictionary, which none of our schools can want, and which nobody would buy of us for half the money. In my opinion we ought to sit down content with our loss, and to rejoice that we have saved 4,000 Rupees.—[Book G. page 162.] 18th March, 1836.
Persian Version of the Kamus.—I cannot make out what the majority of the Committee has determined. I voted and, if the question were open, should still vote, against the proposed advance. If it is resolved to make the advance the precaution suggested by Mr. Sutherland seems proper. We certainly ought to apply to Government to levy our 1,000 Rupees from Kayem Ali’s pension. —[Book G. page 173.] 2nd June, 1836.
Persian Commentary on the Sayings of Mahomed.—I find it difficult to understand how, if the Hooghly College wants only two, the Madrassa can want forty. The book is expensive, and if, as Dr. Wise says, it is merely a book of reference, I would certainly not take the number proposed by our Secretary. Indeed Captain Ouseley’s expression is “thirty or forty.” I should think ten quite enough.—[Book L. page 173.] 28th December, 1837.
Ptolemaic system.—I feel great respect for Mr. Shakespear’s judgment: but my opinion remains unchanged. I do not think that this table would be of much use to us for purposes of education, and we have too little money to afford any merely for the purpose of paying compliments to grown up persons who find out that the sun does not go round the earth.—[Book K. page 102.] 30th November, 1836.
Subscription to the Alif Lyla.—I think that the subscription of the Government ought to dispense us from subscribing. I shall subscribe as an individual and shall have great pleasure in putting my copy at the disposal of the Committee.—[Book N. page 56.] 16th December, 1836.
The Kamus.—I was in a minority on this matter formerly. I will not oppose this advance, if the other members of the Committee think it reasonable.—[Book G. page 178.] 22nd December, 1836.
