Archæological Essays, Vol. 1

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27354

Title

Archæological Essays, Vol. 1

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume collects the archaeological essays of Sir James Young Simpson, a distinguished physician and Professor of Medicine in Edinburgh. Edited by John Stuart, it presents Simpson's historical inquiries ranging from Scottish antiquities and early monastic cells to Egyptian metrology and Roman military medicine. The tone is scholarly yet accessible, blending rigorous research with Simpson's characteristic modesty and candour. It appeals to readers of history, archaeology, and science seeking insight into the intersection of professional expertise and historical curiosity.

Summary up to 500 words

Archaeological Essays, Vol. 1, edited by John Stuart, compiles the significant historical and archaeological papers of the late Sir James Young Simpson, Bart., M.D. Originally published in the Transactions of various societies, these essays were gathered to preserve Simpson's work before it became scarce. The volume is arranged thematically, with general historical papers in the first volume and those connected to professional antiquities in the second. The collection opens with Simpson's lecture, "Archaeology, its Past and its Future Work," which outlines the scope of Scottish inductive archaeology and addresses the specific difficulties of the field. Simpson demonstrates his meticulous observational skills in his paper on an old stone-roofed cell in Inchcolm, identifying it as an early monastic oratory despite its later use as a pig-stye. He enriches this narrative with notes on Irish oratories, the "Mos Scotticum," and early saints, including a correction of a date regarding the round tower of Brechin based on a note from his friend, Dr. Petrie. Another major contribution concerns leper hospitals in Scotland and England, supplemented by historical notices from Dr. Joseph Robertson. Simpson also explores the origins of medical officers in the Roman Army, a subject prompted by inquiries from his colleague, Sir George Ballingall. The volume further investigates the "Catstane" monument, arguing for its identification as a tomb for Vetta, the grandfather of the Saxon leaders Hengist and Horsa, despite contemporary skepticism regarding a Saxon presence in Scotland prior to their arrival in Kent. Simpson addresses genealogical evidence and paleographic features to support this probable conclusion. The text also includes Simpson's critical engagement with the theories of Professor Smyth regarding the Great Pyramid. Simpson refutes Smyth's calculations concerning the Sacred Cubit and the capacity of the sarcophagus in the King's Chamber, demonstrating that Smyth's measurements were inconsistent and that the interior capacity did not match his theoretical standards. Simpson also critiques Smyth's racial theories linking metrology to "Ephraimitic blood" and his harsh denunciations of the French decimal system. Throughout the essays, Simpson's approach is characterized by a refusal to accept superficial results; his papers resemble exhaustive treatises rather than occasional efforts. The volume serves as a permanent record of his inquiries, which began as a relief from professional labours but evolved into deep historical pursuits. It stands as a testament to a scholar who, even while an invalid, maintained extreme care in his proofs and notes, offering valuable corrections and insights into Celtic ecclesiology, Scottish history, and ancient metrology.

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Categories

• Essays
• Archaeology