xvi GANITASĀRASANGRAHA. have made it clear to me that I was justified in think- ing that its publication might prove useful in eluci- dating the condition or mathematical studies as they flourished in South India among the Jainas in the ninth century of the Christian era; and it has been to me a source of no small satisfaction to feel that in bringing out this work in this form, I have not wasted my time and thought on an unprofitable undertaking. The value of the work is undoubtedly more historical than mathe-
- matical. But it cannot be denied that the step by step
construction of the history of Hindu culture is a worthy endeavour, and that even the most insignificant labourer in the field of such an endeavour deserves to be looked upon as a useful worker. Although the editing of the Ganita-sara-sangraha has been to me a labour of love and duty, it has often been felt to be heavy and taxing; and I, therefore, consider that I am specially bound to acknowledge with gratitude the help which I have received in relation to it. In the early stage, when conning and collating and interpreting the manuscripts was the chief work to be done, Mr. M. B. Varadaraja Aiyangar, B.A., B.L, who is an Advocate of the Chief Court at Bangalore, co-operated with me and gave me an amount of aid for which I now offer him my thanks. Mr. K. Krishnaswami Aiyangar, B.A., of the Madras Christian College, has also rendered considerable assist- ance in this manner; and to him also I offer my thanks. Latterly I have had to consult on a few occasions Mr. P. V. Seshu Aiyar, B.A., L.T., Professor of Mathematical Physics in the Presidency College here, in trying to explain the rationale of some of the rules given in the work; and I am much obliged to him for his ready
