An address on embalming generally, delivered at the Royal Institution, on the unrolling of a mummy / [John Davidson].

  • John Davidson
Date:
1833
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An address on embalming generally, delivered at the Royal Institution, on the unrolling of a mummy / [John Davidson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    \ Their historical tablets commenced with the reign of a King, but no dates have as yet been found in their sculptures.* I have touched on this mysterious subject for the purpose of adverting to the inscription before us. A very general opinion exists, that the hieroglyphics are a history of the person embalmed; this I con¬ ceive to be erroneous. I have, in the annnexed plate, placed against each symbol its meaning, as handed down to us by the Savans ; and I think you will agree with me, that in this case (and they are all of a similar character) the hieroglyphics are neither more nor less than a collection of homages offered by the deceased to Osiris; the deceased, in some instances taking the name of the God. There is one leading peculiarity which strengthens me in the opinion I have offered, viz. they all, as far as 1 have seen them, commence in the same manner the “ ex voto.” Cosmas, the Egyptian, says, they are not letters, but symbols, which have a general meaning, but of which no connected discourse can be formed; very trifling addenda, however, would * I am happy in this opportunity of expressing my obligations to Mr. Wilkinson, for his great civilities during my stay in Cairo, and to whose great proficiency, in this mysterious sci¬ ence, I am indebted for my humble knowledge. C
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