It is only necessary to mention the names of WEIL, of CAUSSIN DE PERCIVAL,
arid of SPRENGER,and very many more might be adduced,to call up to
recollection the depth of study, philosophy, and Oriental learning which have
been brought to bear upon the subject. Some portions of these labours have
already been cursorily reviewed in this journal. But they deserve, and will we
trust yet receive, a far deeper and more extended survey. The task is one to
which an Indian periodical may well be devoted. The facilities for the study
are, probably, greater here than in any other part of the world; and the
discovery by Sprenger of the invaluable WÂCKIDI, gives promise of, perhaps,
still further treasures purchased from the West at some remote period by the
riches of Indian conquerors and Ameers, being still extant in the land.
However, if the exertions of Sprenger had resulted only in bringing Wâckidi
to the light, he had deserved, for that task alone, the gratitude of all the
lovers of Mohammed's biography.1