To J. H. KENRICK, Esq.,
Secretary to the Madras Polytechnic Institution.
My Dear Kenrick, --Allow me to dedicate this Lecture to you. I regret that it is not worthier of the honour; but when I remember that it served to solace many hours of acute bodily sufferings--it was planned and completed whilst I was confined to my room by a severe accident, which had well nigh proved fatal--I cannot but regard it with a feeling of grateful partiality ; and as such, I associate it--imperfect though it be--with the name of one, who is an ornament to the community of which he is a member ; an honour to the country of which he is a native ; and of whose friendship I have every reason to be proud. Your zeal for the cause of science ; your elegant acquirements ; the urbanity of your manners ; the benevolence of your disposition ; your public-spiritedness, endear you to all enlightened men ; and you deserve for greater distinction than can ever be conferred on you by a compliment of this nature from so obscure an individual a myself : but though the offering be poor, I pray you, accept it, for it is all--I can give!
I leave this Lecture, and its successors, if there be any destined to see the light-—to the indulgence of a public, from whom, in days gave by, I experienced much kindness and encouragement ; and wishing your every success in life, I subscribe myself,
Your affectionate friend and humble servant,
M. S. DUTT.
Vepery Castle, 12th April, 1854.
