New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-10-29

Burnouf's labors, BOpp had Deen pursuing ndepend-
emit researches of which the results are made known
in his Comparative Grammar OF the lndo-European
Ianeuagesp Lassen Bentley, Holtmann, and Roth
had from time to time made important contributions
70 the knowledge of Oriental phiology and history.
Brockhaus, in 1850, furnished valuable aid
10 the general study by the transcription into
Latin characters Of one Of Burnouf's texts During
the same time, two eminent scholars engaged in
preparations for the complete publication and illus
traton of the Zoroastrian Scriptures. One Of these
was Professor Westergaard of the university of Co
penhagen who had collected variety OF materials
and formed the plan Of publishing the entire text OF
the Zend-Avesta, with an English version vocabu-
larry and grammar, n comparative view OF the
Iranian languages and a history OF the ma
tives of Iran. Only one volume OF ths
work has thus far been published Copenhagen
1924 containing the original text OF the Lehu-
Avesta with various readings from the manuscripts,
and valuable preface. The other scholar referred
to is Professor Spiegel of Erangen. His contriDu-
lions to our knowledge of the ZOroastrian rehgoh
and its scriptures have been more abundant than
those Of any other person. In addition to numerous
papers in the German periodicals, he has puDnsheu
long series of elaborate works. He has also trained
his pupils to valuable work in the same field, severa
of whom-as JUST, Kossowich. and others-haye re-
ton of the subject conspicuous place among the
living students of Oriental religion is held by Pro
lessor Haug who after residing for several years IN
Western India as professor of Sans1rt, Is now con-
nected with the university of Munich.
Among the scholars who have devoted their
studies especially to the Vedas, Coebrooke was the
earliest in point lof time, and one of the most I'M
portant in respect to the value of their researches
His celebrated essay "0n the Vedas" was first pub
| lshed in 1906, presenting a general view OF the
| whole body of Yedc literature which has not been
| superseded by any subsequent labors. Many
| years elapsed before the next step was
| taken. This was the publication, In 1880, OF the
| Specimen of the Rg-Veda," by Friedrich kosen,
| German professor in the London university IL was
followed in 1898 by a further portion of the same
Veda. with the SanslIt text and Latin translation
and notes. His work was interrupted by death, and
there was no one TO take up the thread where he had
| dropped il until 1916, when Professor Roth OF
| THbingen brought out his Contributions to the
History and Literature of the Vedas," little work
which gave o powerful impulse to the study
| among Oriental scholars.
The position of Professor Max Miller, who has won
| so brilliant a reputation in England as an ex-
FOUNDER of the religion and philosophy of the
East is made the subject by Professor Whitney of
singularly candid and not altogether favorable crit
icism. He recognizes the merit of Professor Miller
in the diffusion Of correct respecting the af-
atoms of nations and of languages. There are few
scholars living who have delved so deep into the
| mine of Vedic literature Miller, and the thanks
of every lover of learning are due to him both for
what he has himself brought 10 light and the aid he
has rendered to the labors Of Others. His miscel
laneous translations are not so life-like as
native command Of English added TO his
profound appreciation of the originals might have
made them, but they are in advance of any hitherto
known in the English language in point both Of ac-
curacy and of readabeness. But his translation of
the Veda of which the first volume appeared in 1862
Professor Whitney characterizes as Disappointing
The Arrangement and proportions of the work are,
in the highest degree, faulty. His notes are farfrom
showing the wise and thoughtful judgment, the
moderation aud economy, which are among the es-
sential qualities of sound expOsitOr. On the
contrary. they display remarkable lavishness IN
matter STYLE and mode Of printing, as If the main
object of the author had been to fill out the covers
of his volume, with the least possible expense to
himself His most valuable statements are diluted
with the diffuse exhibition of processes where re-
suits would have been sufficient. He dwells pro-
vokingly on trihes while serious difficulties are
lodged. Confusing the wants of the general reader
with those of the special scholar and trying to please
both he satisfies neither. The facility and beauty of
style which usually distinguishes Miller in his En-
glsh composition totally fails him in translation. He
appears to have taken the work too easily, content
to render words and phrases, without gaining
vivid impression of the original and reproducing 1t
for his readers The absence Of the poetic form is
striking defect in his version and in this respect he
suffers greatly by a comparison with Roth.
The services of Professor Whitney i'll his elucida-
tons of Oriental literature and of comparative phi
lology in general. may be considered among the
most valuable efforts of American scholarship.
Not inferior to the Germans in profoundness and
patience of research in solidity of judgment, and
in breadth of perception, nor to the French
in oulckness of insight and mental alertness and
activity, he brings TO the discussions in which he
has obtained so conspicuous rank, certain prac-
teal and comprehensive good sense freedom from
affectation and pedantry, and homebred vigor of
expression, which perhaps may be ascribed in part
at least to his American birth and discipline. His
genius. however, cannot be claimed as a national
monopoly but belongs to the cosmopolitan sphere
of thought and letters.