'The History of Persia, from the most early period to the present time: containing an account of the religion, government, usages and character of the inhabitants of that kingdom. By Colonel Sir John Malcolm, KCB, KLS Late minister plenipotentiary to the court of Persia from the supreme government of India. In two volumes.' [‎12] (27/730)

Xll
PREFACE.
To the kindness of Sir James Mcintosh, and to that
interest which he takes in every effort to illustrate
Eastern history, I owe the greatest obligations. I
am also much indebted to Mr. William Erskine* of
Bombay, from whom I received several valuable
communications : and I feel, that if my attempt to
throw light upon the more remote periods of Persian
history should prove satisfactory to the reader, I shall,
in a very considerable degree, owe my success to
Mr. Alexander Hamilton, of Hertford College, whose
superior knowledge of every branch of oriental litera
ture enabled him to give me the most essential assistance
in this difficult and important part of my Work.
Before I left India I was indebted to Mr. N.
H. Smith, late Envoy to the Court of Scind, for the
communications of his Journals, and for remarks upon
the character of the Arabian tribes settled on the shores
of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . I was also under obligations to
Since my return to England, I received a very interesting communication
from Mr. Erskine on two sepulchral urns, found near Abousheher, which had
been sent to him by Mr. Bruce, the British Resident at that place. My
observations on similar urns (Vol. I. p. 198) had been printed before I
received Mr. Erskine's letter: but it was with the greatest satisfaction I found
the opinions I had expressed upon this subject correspond with those of one,
on whose learning and judgment I place great reliance.