Note 156 — CHAP. VI.
Reading edition
We find Mr. Anderson’s notions on this subject conformable to those of Mr. Marsden, who has remarked, “that one general language prevailed (however mutilated and changed in the course of time) throughout all this portion of the world, from Madagascar to the most distant discoveries eastward; of which the Malay is a dialect, much corrupted or refined by a mixture of other tongues. This very extensive similarity of language indicates a common origin of the inhabitants; but the circumstances and progress of their separation are wrapped in the darkest veil of obscurity.” History of Sumatra, p. 35.
See also his very curious paper, read before the Society of Antiquaries, and published in their Archæologia, vol. vi. p. 155; where his sentiments on this subject are explained more at large, and illustrated by two tables of corresponding words.