Life and works of Alexander Csoma de Körös : $b A biography compiled chiefly from hitherto unpublished dataDuka, Tivadar
History
Life and works of Alexander Csoma de Körös : $b A biography compiled chiefly from hitherto unpublished data
Duka, Tivadar
Kőrösi Csoma, Sándor, 1784-1842
“The extracts read from Dr. Gerard’s paper respecting the labours of
Mr. Csoma de Körös were of a most interesting nature, not only as
giving a vivid idea of the admirable, we may say heroic devotion, of
that singularly disinterested and enterprising person to the cause of
literature, in spite of difficulties that would confound a less
determined spirit, but as referring to depositories of learning, which
for ages have been confined to a peculiar people, of whose language and
institutions but little is known to Europeans, but which, through the
fortunate instrumentality of Mr. Csoma de Körös and his learned
associate the Lama, it is hoped, will not long remain a fountain sealed
to the literary world.”
In the same article occurs a paragraph which shows the ultimate aim of
Csoma as to his researches:
“In the libraries of the ancient cities of Teshi Lhunpo and Lassa there
are said to be many valuable works, which the world is likely to become
acquainted with only through the instrumentality of such a genius as
Mr. Csoma. He is very anxious to get to the country of the Mongols, and
make every possible research into the history and institutions of that
ancient people.”
The Council of the Asiatic Society of Bengal resolved to grant Csoma a
monthly allowance, equal to that he was receiving already from
Government. This step was due to the exertions of Sir Charles Metcalfe,
Mr. Simon Fraser, Mr. Calder, Mr. Mackenzie, and Captain Stacy, all of
whom strongly urged that Csoma should be more liberally provided for
while studying at Kanum. Captain Stacy, in a letter dated 3d May 1829,
to the address of Dr. Wilson, says: “Csoma expends very little upon
himself; he dresses in the coarse blanket of the country, and eats with
the natives.”
There is no doubt, therefore, that Csoma had to suffer many privations,
but he never uttered a word of complaint on that account; what affected
him deeply, however, was the thought of his being neglected and
forgotten in the far-off monastery. We know, however, that such was not
the case. A stranger and foreigner could never wish to find warmer
friends than Csoma found in Captain Kennedy and Dr. Gerard. The former
was always a faithful exponent of his wishes before Government and
private friends, and Dr. Gerard’s letters testify to the sincere
interest he took in him. Dr. Wilson, on behalf of the Asiatic Society,
wrote on the 15th July 1829, informing Csoma of the Society’s
resolution as to the increase of his stipend, part of which was at once
forwarded to him through Captain Kennedy. Dr. Wilson added, “I have
been also instructed to procure for you such books as you may think
serviceable to your inquiries.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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