Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/301

258 Vijaganita (Algebra) were used in the Sanskrit College, but he introduced, in their stead, European Mathematical works. Pandit Priya Nath Bhattacharyya was a professor of Mathematics at that time. He subsequently studied the civil law under Vidyasgar's instructions, and, at his instance, obtained the post of a Munsiff.

An association, called the "Bethune Society", had been formed in memory of the late J. E. D. Bethune, one of the greatest friends the country ever had, mainly through Vidyasagsr's exertions. It was at a meeting of this Society that his essay on "Sanskrit Language and Belles-lettres" was read. It is said, that Prasanna Kumar Sarvvadhikari read an English translation of the essay. However that might be, there can be no doubt, that it is a most learned dissertation. It was first published on the 18th April, 1856. The pamphlet contains 89 pages, demy 12 mo. Considering the weight and importance of the subject, it must be asserted, that the discussion has been very brief and limited. The author has admitted it himself. He says:—

'This essay was first read at a meeting of the Bethune Society. At the earnest request of many of my friends, I, under the permission of the President, published at that time 200 copies of the book, and distributed them gratis.

'According to general practice, such essays become the sole property of the association at which they are read. I, therefore, offered to the President