ABSTRACT
The currency of a country may, to use a homely illustration, be aptly compared to the blood in the human body. If it circulate too rapidly, a state of feverish excitement is betrayed; if too slowly, a falling-off in social health or prosperity becomes quickly apparent. There may be too much or too little iron in the blood; so likewise there may be too much or too little paper in a currency. Prior to the advent of the British two systems had existed, the Hindoo and the Mussulman. The unit of the former was of gold, the pagoda of about 60 grains weight – and that of the latter of silver, the Rupee weighing from 170 to 175 grains. The Hindoo system has become nearly extinct, having been almost entirely superseded by the Mussulman. The pagoda is a Portuguese appellation, derived from the pyramidal temple depicted on one side of the gold pieces issued in the most recent Hindoo coinage.
