A. W. DE SCHLEGEL

APPENDICE

Prospectus of a Plan for translating and publishing such interesting and valuable Works on Easlern History, Science, and Belles-Lctlres as are still in MS. in thc Libraries of lhe Universities , the British Muséum, and the East-India Ilouse, and in other Collections, in Asia and Africa, as toeti as in

Europe : and for providing Funds to curry this object into execution.

1. The extensive and valuable collections of Oriental MSS. which are deposited in our public and privafe libraries, bave long attraeted the, attention of the learned of this and other countries; and il lias been suggested that sonie ineans, offering a reasonable prospect of success, may be devised, by which the public may be put in possession of ail that is valuable in Eastern literature, and an opportunity be presented for shewingthat this countrv is not at présent backward in contributing to the advancement of Oriental learning, in which she lias long lield the foremost runk. The interesting relations, inoreover, in wicli this countrv stands with lhe East, aflording as tliey do the best opportunités for carrying such a project into effect , and at the sanie lime promising both to England and its Eastern possessions the most bénéficiai results, may be mentioned as additional motives for engaging in such an undertaking.

2. The advantages likely to be derived froin a more extensive cultivation of- Oriental littérature in this countrv may be considered as applicable to Biblical Criticism, Ecclesiastieal and General History, Biography , Belles - Lettres , the Arts and Sciences, and Geography.

3. With reference to Biblical Criticism and Ecclesiastieal History , we know that our Scriptures, particularly those of lhe. Old Testament, abound in modes of expression, and allusions to customs, in many cases imperfectly understood in Europe, but