sold out. A reprint was then issued, which has also been sold out. In view of the great
interest aroused on the subject of precious stones, it was suggested to
the author to bring out a more detailed publication. The present book
is to meet this demand. It is written in a non-technical style, and
will, the author hopes, meet the demands of public interests on the
subject of precious stones.
There
are many scattered publications and some books on precious and
semi-precious stones, which are given in the bibliography at the end of
the book. The author has drawn information freely from most of them. -
Detailed references are omitted in the text, lest it might increase the
volume of the hook. The standard work is Max Bauer's Edelsteinkunde, translated by Dr. L. J. Spencer.
An
attempt has been made to give in popular language a general and
scientific account of the properties and composition of the precious
stones, their occurrence, uses, etc., and also with special reference
to India, wherever possible.
The
author is deeply indebted for many useful suggestions and help that he
has received from friends and colleagues. His sincere thanks are due to
Dr. W. D. West, Director, Geological Survey of India, for very kindly .
/ contributing a Foreword and for much help.
In
the preparation of the diagrams for crystals and instruments given in
the book, much help was received from Babu Anil Mukerji, Artist's
Section of the Geological Survey of India, to whom the author is very
grateful.
The Baptist Mission Press, Calcutta, also deserve special thanks for their courtesy in undertaking and carrying out the work.
•PA.TNA,
L- A. N. IYEE.
14-2-1948.
