Page:Arthur N. Wollaston - English-Persian Dictionary 1882.djvu/13

 PREFACE. ix

the idea of reversing s Persian-English Dictionary, im- pelled me to adopt, if possible, some course which should at once ensure the omission of what was superfluous, and the introduction of such words as experience might dictate to be requisite and advantageous. The dilemma. was perplexing, and ultimately, as my only resource, I de- termined to enter upon an extensive course of reading, with the view of culling from newspapers and modern works as many terms as within a reasonable time might be possible. The labour was enormous, extending over a period of years; and in the end, so considerable a mass of material was collected as to justify the commencement of the undertaking upon which I had resolved. In this portion of the work I received much assistance from Lieut.-Colonel Ross, H.B.M.'s Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, who obtained for me collections of words and idioms the value of which it would be difficult to overrate. Matters were in a fragmentary and unsettled state, when, about two years ago, the native translator to the Bushire Residency, by name Mirza Baker, came to this country, and, on his arrival, placed himself in com- munication with me, in order to assist in a work rumours of which had reached him. A very short conversation served to indicate that my new acquaintance was a ripe scholar. Not only was he familiar with the Arabic and Turkish languages, which supply so many of the words in modern use in Persia, but, possessing a truly remarkable critical knowledge of his own tongue, he was enabled to afford the explanations so necessary to me. I gladly availed myself of his services, and, trusting to his revision, I also added to my collection some thousands of words, respecting which, as I had not absolutely met with them in the course of my reading, I had some doubts whether they should be introduced or omitted. I may mention- not in any spirit of arrogance or presumption, but simply

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