The Gibb Memorial Trust was established in 1902 in memory of Elias John Wilkinson Gibb, a largely self-taught Arabic, Persian, and, above all, of Ottoman Turkish, died age 45 in 1901 and his mother established the Trust. These papers mainly cover the period 1927-1951 and consists of governance, finance and publication documents, produced mainly as a result of Charles Ambrose Storey's involvement as a Trustee of the Trust.
Gibb Memorial Trust CambridgeThe papers consist of a letter from Thomas Andrew Lumisden Strange to Captain Henry Harkness, Secretary, Royal Asiatic Society, to send an extract from a letter that he had received from his son, Thomas Lumisden Strange in Tellicherry, (Thalassery) India. Strange asks that the extract be brought before the Council of the Society, if Harkness deems it of sufficient importance. This letter is dated 9 February, 1837. The extract, dated 4 September 1836, is written in a different hand. It concerns the attempt by Francis Rawdon Chesney to find an overland route to India via the Euphrates. Thomas Lumisden Strange recommends that the route should continue to be explored despite the loss of life on the expedition, and believed that the Persian Sultan 'might be induced to farm to us this division of his dominions'.
Strange Thomas Andrew Lumisden 1756-1841Two articles and accompanying material sent by Thomas Hervey Baber to the Royal Asiatic Society. These are:
- 'Facsimiles of three Muhammedan Gold Coins, found on the Coast of Malabar' with associated material.
- 'Copy of a Translation in the Malayalam Arayam Character with an English translation.'
Correspondence and Papers written by Captain Thomas John Newbold between 1842 and 1849. The majority of the correspondence is from Newbold to Richard Clarke, the Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society. The Papers were mainly sent by Newbold to be read at the Society or published in its Journal.
Newbold Thomas John 1807-1850 East India Company soldierThe Papers include correspondence between Thomas Manning and his family, friends and some official correspondence ranging from his childhood, through Cambridge days, time in France, travels to China and India and his later life.These reflect both Manning's interests and the wide range of contacts that he cultivated.
There are also original notebooks and notes, some documenting his travels including his journey through Tibet; others reflecting his interests in mathematics, poetry & riddles and Catholic emancipation. There is also an early Manuscript for "The Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa".
Other highlights in the Collection include early English and European passports, calling cards, and later receipts
These Papers give an insight into this unique man formerly best known for his relationship with Charles Lamb. These Papers show that Manning was also a man of talent, charisma and determination in his study of China and the Chinese language.
Manning, Thomas,1772-1840, Chinese scholar, Orientalist, travellerThese papers consist of two items presented to the Society by Thomas Pell Platt. They are:
- Fasti Sacri Ecclesiae AEthiopicae
- Computus Temporum Ecclesiae Aethiopicae
The papers of Professor T.W. Rhys Davids consist of two certificates. These are:
- Certificate of Thanks for 18 years service as Secretary of Royal Asiatic Society. This is undated but Rhys Davids completed his 18 years, serving as both Secretary and Librarian, in 1905. The certificate is signed by Lord Reay and has the names of the Society's Members below.
- Certificate for Philosophy Doctorate at the University of Wratislaviensis (Breslau) with attached seal, signed by Richard Roepell, 1882. With the certificate are 4 additional paper copies.
The papers consist of A Grammar of the Maratah Language by Soob Row Maratah, Bramney of Tanjore. The purpose of his writing was to explain the Marathi language giving clear rules of grammar. The book is handwritten in Marathi and English and bound in a leather volume. Unfortunately the boards have come loose from the spine. The spine bears the title 'Maratah M.S. Grammar'.
Vennelacunty Soob Row 1784-1839"An English- Malayalam Vocabulary compiled by Melville Wace". 121 loose pages, typed, of an English to Malayalam vocabulary with extensive handwritten annotations. Also a front page with biographical details and bearing a Royal Asiatic Society stamp. The annotations and the biography have been added to the manuscript at a later date by an unidentified author who also seems to have undertaken repair of some of the pages.
Wace Walter Melville d 1942 Writer, rubber plantation managerTyped manuscript entitled, "Chinese Secret Societies in Malaya. Sections K. L. + M. The Chinese factor in the Policy of Intervention" concerning the time period 1872-1876. It is also labelled as "File 5" and "Duplicate". It appears to be an early draft or research material for part of Blythe's book The Impact of Chinese Secret Societies in Malaya published in 1969. The material seems to be in more depth than the corresponding material covered within the publication. With the file is a note which reads, "It is possible that Prof. Cowan at S.O.A.S., London, would like to have this File 5, as it deals with the subject of his book on Intervention".
Blythe Wilfred Lawson 1896-1975 colonial administrator