Scott, Andrew, c 1825-1870 (Professor of Oriental Languages at Aberdeen University)

Person

Dates

Existence: c 1825 - 1870

Biography

Andrew Scott (sometimes known as 'Hebrew Scott') taught at Pulteneytown Academy for a short time. In 1847 he was appointed Professor of Oriental Languages at King's College, Aberdeen, but 'rejected the title of Professor, and ... threatened to bring an action for defamation of character against the members of the University Court who proposed to confer a degree upon him' ('Sale of Professor Scott's books', Aberdeen Journal, 1 Feb. 1871). He is described as 'eccentric, but generous-hearted' (Andrew Jervise, Epitaphs & inscriptions from burial grounds & old buildings (Edinburgh: 1879), p.71). An avid book and manuscript collector - his library contained over 5,000 volumes - Scott is known to have purchased many works in his extensive travels, including at Istanbul, and his library contained many works in Persian and Arabic (including a copy of Robinson Crusoe in Persian). See George Walker, Aberdeen awa' : sketches of its men, manners, and customs (Aberdeen: 1897), pp.261-2; and W.R. Smith, Sale catalogue of the library of Professor Andrew Scott (1871).

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

گلستان Gulistān, 1206 A.H., 1791 C.E.

Item

Identifier: Or Ms 342

Scope and Contents

This is a complete copy of the famous Gulistān by Persian poet Shaykh Sa‘dī Shīrāzī (d. 691 A.H., 1292 C.E.).

Dates: 1206 A.H.; 1791 C.E.

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Manuscripts of the Islamicate World and South Asia