A mere catalogue of the writings of Sir William Jones would show the extent and variety of his knowledge. He had a wonderful facility for the acquisition of languages; his knowledge of Latin and Greek was extensive, though not profound ; his acquaintance with Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit has seldom been equalled, and scarcely, if ever, surpassed by any European ; he was familiar with Turkish and Hebrew; and had learned enough of the Chinese to enable him to translate an ode of Confucius. He was also well acquainted with most of the modern languages of Europe,—French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German ; and had studied less critically numerous other languages. His knowledge of science was not so extensive or accurate : he had however made some progress in mathematics; was well acquainted with chemistry ; and had studied botany during the latter years of his life with the greatest diligence. But though the attainments of Sir William Jones were so various and extensive, he does not appear to have possessed much originality. He neither discovered new truths nor placed old ones in a new light. He possessed neither the power of analysing nor of combining and constructing. For language, as a science, he did nothing : he only collected materials for others. His
writings on Oriental literature are interesting and instructive ; but neither they nor any of his other works are distinguished by originality of thought or power of expression ; his style is weak, and his judgment frequently defective. His literary attainments were certaiuly such as few men, perhaps none, have ever made ; yet with every disposition to admire and honour him for what he has done, we cannot assign him a high intellectual rank. Doubtless he weakened his dif fusing them over so large a surface, instead of concentrating them on a few objects. His personal character must always command our respect ; he was an indefatigable scholar, an affectionate son, a faithful friend, a useful citizen, and an upright judge.
In addition to the works which have been already mentioned, Sir William Jones published a translation of Ismus ; and also translations of two Mohammedan law tracts 'On the Law of Inheritance, and of Succession to Property of Intestates," Tales and Fables by Nizanai ;' Two Hymns to Pracriti ;' and Extracts from the Vedas.' A complete edition of the works of Sir William Jones was published in 6 vole. 4to, 1799, and in 13 vole. 8vo, 1807, with his life by Lord Teignmouth.