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2 other products of the country, much beyond what they could
3 really use during their sojourn. This circumstance, I believe,
4 has led to an alteration in the custom.
5 The most eminent of the visitors at that time, were Lord
6 Gifford, brother-in-law of the Governor-General of India, and
7 the unfortunate Colonel King, who afterwards (in consequence
8 of imagining that imputations were thrown upon his courage
9 and ability) committed suicide. We sometimes dined together
10 at the Maharajah’s ; and it may, perhaps, appear very ridiculous
11 to those who are unacquainted with oriental customs, to be
12 informed, that on these occasions, we were obliged to send our
13 own cooks, our own wines, and our own plate, and other culinary,
14 or, gastronomic apparatus. The Maharajah would make his
15 appearance during dinner, but, of course, would never partake
16 of our repast ; and, to show us particular attention, he ordered
17 preserves, fruit, ice, and sweetmeats, to be sent to us from
18 his own kitchen. Besides this kind of hospitality, he would
19 frequently minister to our entertainment in other ways, as by
20 exhibitions of fireworks, illuminations on the river, music,
21 dancing-girls (bayaderes), &c.
22 The kings of France professed to cure the kingVevil, by
23 laying the hand upon the patient ; and the kings of England
24 to cure epilepsy, by blowing thrice upon the person affected
25 with that disease — the Maharajah emulates their example, by
26 professing to cure all cases of paralysis, although he adopts a
27 more substantial and effective method of operation. He admin-
28 isters, for this purpose, a majoon (electuary) the ingredients of
29 which, as he informed me, are cinnabar, anacardium orientale ,
30 and nux vomica , with thirty-five spices. It is prepared as
31 follows— The cinnabar is boiled in butter, and the nux vomica,
32 anacardium, and spices, are then added ; these ingredients are
33 then ground, or, rubbed together, with a sufficient quantity of
34 honey, in order to form an electuary, a process which occupies
35 three days. The dose (twice a day) is from five to ten grains.
36 The elcctuarium nucis vomicce of Timur Shah, which the
37 Ilakims still consider a valuable remedy, is a similar compound,
38 VOL. i. v