Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1836 - 1840 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 folder handwritten and lithograph
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
John Wilson was a Scottish missionary, orientalist and educator. In 1829, he moved with his wife to Bombay and spent most of his life there. He founded Wilson College, Mumbai, and Bombay University. He was also the president of the Asiatic Society of Bombay from 1835 to 1842; and was elected Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland in 1870.
Repository
Archival history
The material was the property of John Wilson until he sent it to the Royal Asiatic Society.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The material was sent by John Wilson to the Royal Asiatic Society in 1839. It was received in February 1840.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Notes on the Ancient Figures and Inscriptions from Márab sent to the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society by George Smythan, and resented by The President of the Society, John Wilson. A description and analysis of inscriptions on stones found by Dr A. Mackell at the town of Márab or Sábá, believed to be the seat of the Queen of Sheba. Four stones were found, two of which were acquired and facsimiles made for the others. Mackell believed the inscriptions were more Ethiopic in character. Wilson compares these inscriptions with ones found by J.G. Hulton and J. Smith (see Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, vol.5, 1838, p.91). Wilson however suggests these may be of Sabean origin. The article is dated 28 November 1836 with a postscript, dated 2 December 1839, concerning Wilson's reluctance to have his findings published.
With the article are three lithograph sheets showing the figures and inscriptions.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
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Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open. Please contact the archivist. Details can be found here : https://royalasiaticarchives.org/. The archive is open on Tuesdays and Fridays 10-5, and Thursdays 2-5. Access is to any researcher without appointment but it will help if an appointment is made via phone or email. Please bring photo ID.
Conditions governing reproduction
Digital photography (without flash) for research purposes may be permitted upon completion of a copyright declaration form, and with respect to current UK copyright law.
Language of material
- English
- Semitic Language
Script of material
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Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
The paper was read at the General Meeting of 7 March 1840. The Minutes record, "The Director read a note by Dr Wilson of Bombay on some ancient figures and inscriptions from Márab in Arabia which had been presented to the Bombay Branch of the Society by Dr Smythan".
The Society's collections hold several of Wilson's publications. Details can be found in our Library catalogue: https://ras.koha-ptfs.co.uk/.
Much of the article, and the inscriptions, are reproduced as part of the chapter on Settlements of the Sons of Joktan: The Jokhanites and Hemyarites in Wilson's publication The Lands of the Bible: Visited and Described in an Extensive Journey Undertaken with Special Reference to the Promotion of Biblical Research and the Advancement of the Cause of Philanthropy, Volume 2, William Whyte, Edinburgh, 1847.
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Wilson John 1804-1875 missionary (Subject)
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Description control area
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Dates of creation revision deletion
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Archivist's note
The material was catalogued by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2022.