An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

BOOTAN. 153much enjoyed the fooHsh figure they made on the sensation of ashock. At last we found it difficuk to collect volunteei's, for theyall grew remarkably shy of the machine. The Raja, however, seemedto derive so much amusement from it, that I could not find in myheart to deprive him of sucii a source of entcrtaiumeut ; so 1 left theapparatus in his hands, with such directions as I thought necessary:and if its charms do Jiot cease with its novelty, I have no doubt of hisbeing able at any time to use it. The Raja had a mechanic turn, anddelighted in exhibiting the works of his artists, wliich were less remarkablefor ingenuity than for strength. He reckoned himself possessedof extraordinary good iron^ and indulged a high opinion of thearms fabricated from it. It was a favourite amusement with him, toexamine the few mathematical and optical instruments we had with us;and Mr. Saunders afforded him a great treat, by shewing his chirurgicalinstruments, and explaining their uses.The versatility of genius, and spirit of inquiry, which he possessed,had qualified him for the practiceof physic, equally with any of theprofession in his own dominions ; and he had a perfect knowledo-e ofevery medicinal preparation in use among them :yet he entertained ajust opinion of our superior skill ;and, desirous of profitintr as muchas possible by the opportunity, he ordered his chief physician to attendon Mr. Saunders, and avail himself of his instructions.The Raja willinglyparted with specimens of allhis drugs, and gave an account oftheir reputed properties : in return, he received from Mr. Saunderswhatever he could spare from his chest.The virtues of one medicinehe put to the test while we were with him ; this was ipecacuanha.