Diary of Prof Friedrich Mohs (1773-1839), German mineralogist
Scope and Contents
Diary written during a tour of Germany, 1826, with commentary by an unknown author. The commentator may have a Scottish connection, with some references to Edinburgh and surrounds throughout the text. For example, the commentator notes that 'The Sunday dress of the women in this part of Bohemia is not unlike that of our Newhaven fishwives, except that they have very finely worked red stockings and rather shorter petticoats.'
The accounts are punctuated by drawings and diagrams relating to the content, including local dress, maps, and rock formations. The detailed entries report observations of local life, customs, and events in the region, with a focus on geography. Mohs' text is mainly on the recto page, and the supplementary commentary largely on the verso. The commentator offers additional context, such as notes about Mohs' past travels in the area and clarifying definitions for regionally specific terms.
Octavo volume, halfbound in leather, with a small woven tie closure. Board title reads:
'Diary of Prof Mohs during a tour in Germany, Bohemia, etc. april 1826.'
A number of small scraps are laid in, including a small diagram, a torn fragment of paper with writing in a different hand, and the corner of a book catalogue.
The whole volume is written in a single hand. It is unclear from where or when Mohs' text was copied.
Dates
- Creation: 1826
Creator
- Mohs, Friedrich (Carl Friedrich Christian Mohs), 1773-1839 (Professor | German mineralogist) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers at Centre for Research Collections, University of Edinburgh Main Library, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ. Contact repository in advance: is-crc@ed.ac.uk
Full Extent
1 item
Language of Materials
English
Physical Location
MS MOH
Physical Facet
Access to records in a fragile condition may be restricted.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the New College Library Special Collections Repository
New College
Mound Place
Edinburgh EH1 2LU. Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk