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as introducing us to a very important unexplored branch of study—the ancient literature of Japan—one that must be studied if the history of Japan and even if the present scheme of administration were to be understood. He begged Mr. Aston to give the meeting some account of this literature.
Mr. Aston explained the chief characteristics of the old language and literature as compared with those of modern times, and recommended strongly the study of the Japanese ancient classics which, he said, far surpassed in value anything which Japan bas produced in later times.
Mr. W. E. Grigsby then read a paper “On the Legacy of Iyeyasu.”
The President in expressing the pleasure that the two papers had given him, remarked on the contrast of the latter, which was of comparatively modern origin, with the sketch of ancient life which Mr. Aston had presented.
Mr. Aston thought that a warm welcome should be given to Mr. Grigsby’s paper. It was the first instance that he was aware of, of a scholar having given this Society the benefit of his attainments in his own special subject as applied to the kindred subject among the Japanese. He considered that the production of this paper argued well for the future of this Society, and hoped that it might be the precursor of others.
Sir Harry Parkes was disposed to question the authenticity of the so-called Legacy of Iyeyas and its legislative value. He believed the Japanese, in earlier days before power was usurped by the military class, had done better things in the way of law-making.
Mr. Syle remarked that the problem was an exceedingly interesting one which was presented by the actual national character of the Japanese—so permeated with Chinese ideas (as shewn in the Legacy of Iyeyas,) and yet continuing so little affected by it that the general result has been a type of character very unlike the Chinese—in some points, strongly contrasted with it. There must have been some very strong original element to have resisted the foreign influence so resolutely; and it will be a matter of great satisfaction if such investigations as we have in both the papers just read should lead to the ascertainment of what that element was. Mr. Syle then proposed that the special thanks of the Society be given to Mr. Aston and Mr. Grigsby.
Sir Harry Parkes and Dr. Murray rose simultaneously to second the motion which was carried unanimously.
Mr. Syle announced that the Society was extending its relations in Europe, and that he had received from Italy, Austria and the United States, valuable exchanges for the Society’s Journal. He also suggested that as the library of the Society was constantly increasing, additional facilities be given to members for obtaining access to it.
Mr. Grigsby supported the suggestion and gave an amusing account of his failure on a recent occasion to gain admittance to the library, even at an hour when it was supposed to be open.
