182 ([return])
[ The British Islands—according to Wilford.]
183 ([return])
[ Literally the science (veda) of the bow (dhanush). This weapon, as everything amongst the Hindus, had a divine origin: it was of three kinds—the common bow, the pellet or stone bow, and the crossbow or catapult.]
184 ([return])
[ It is a disputed point whether the ancient Hindus did or did not know the use of gunpowder.]
185 ([return])
[ It is said to have discharged balls, each 6,400 pounds in weight.]
186 ([return])
[ A kind of Mercury, a god with the head and wings of a bird, who is the Vahan or vehicle of the second person of the Triad, Vishnu.]