পাতা:রামদাস গ্রন্থাবলী দ্বিতীয় ভাগ.djvu/৬০০

সমালোচনা | রত্নরহস্য । Calcutta Review, 1884. Ratnarahasya–Dr. Ram Das Sen requires no introduction to the reader. He has already acquired a distinguished place in Bengali literature. As an earnest and indefatigable student of Indian antiquities, he has no equal in this country, *with the single exception of Dr. Rajendra Lal Mitra. But he is, in one respect, a greater benefactor to his country than even Dr. Mitra. Dr. Mitra’s antiquarian writings are a sealed book to those who know not English ; Dr. Ram Das Sen’s antiquarian writings are open to those who know only Bengali, as well as to those who know English. Dr Sen’s present work, if not possessing such general and varied interest as his celebrated Aitihasik Rahasya, is even more valuable than the latter by reason of the profoundly curious and artistic interest which attaches to it. As a treatise on dia monds and precious stones, reflecting the views entertained about those choice and costly possessions of man by skilful experts and learned connoisseurs in ancient India, the work under notice is simply invaluable. For art education, a study of pearls and precious stones in the light of the criticisms and directions contained in this work seems to be of especial value, and it is desirable that educated Hindus should do some thing to promote this study. The work possesses an historical value, which can not be under-rated We can not conclude this brief notice without expressing our admiration for the industry and research of which this treatise is the result