The College at Fort St. George was chiefly the result of his untiring efforts. From all over the then Madras Province he collected manuscripts for the use of this College. It is believed that Ellis wrote a treatise on Tamil prosody but unfortunately it has not been preserved and is not available.

Ellis' outstanding work which has come down to us is his commentary on the great Kuṟaḷ Though this commentary is neither completely comprehensive nor exhaustive, it does reveal to a remarkable degree the author's extensive knowledge of Tamil literature and his correct understanding of India, her people and their hoary traditions.

His commentary has greatly benefited the public and the scholars who now evince a great interest in the Kuṟaḷ.

9. JOHANN PHILIPP FABRICIOUS

Johann Philipp Fabricious was born at Cleeberg near Frankfort on 22-1-1711. He studied at Giessen and Halle and was ordained at Copenhagen in 1739.

J. P. Frabricious was originally intended for the Danish Mission at Tranquebar. After a service of a few years in India, he sought and obtained permission to enter the service of the English Society. He arrived in 1742 at Tranquebar in India. To relieve Rev. Schultze he proceeded to Madras and served there till 1788.

During the long period of his service he was chiefly assisted by Missionary Breithaupt.

Fabricious till he was overcome by advancing age anf fatigue served efficiently and skilfully. He was both clever and wellacquainted with the native tongue-Tamil. His lexicographical work has been rightly praised and he was particularly adept at translating the Christian hymns into Tamil and till this day they are considered remarkable pieces and used by Christian congregations.

The internal political affairs of Southern India were in turmoil and chaos. The French and English in India were at loggerheads