ROUSSEAU, Samuel Kent. London, bapt. 20.9.1763 — London 4.12.1820. British Printer and Oriental Scholar. He is said to be a distant relative of J. J. Rousseau, of the English Huguenot branch of the family, descending from J. J. Rousseau’s great uncle, who had moved to London, but others deny this. Son of Philip Rousseau, a printer, and his wife Susannah. In 1778 apprenticed as printer, then set up his own business, which eventually turned up to be a failure. For a while also worked as Master of Joye’s Charity School. A paralytic stroke in 1817 cut short his career. Married 1787 Mary Silvester, two daughters. He was keenly interested in languages and studied many European and Semitic languages, also Persian.
Publications: Dictionary of Mohammedan Law, Bengal Revenue Terms, Shanscrit, Hindoo and other words used in the East Indies, with full explanations. 64+287 p. L. 1802, 2nd ed. 1825 (probably the same as Shanscrit and Hindoo Dictionary. L. 1812; Hindoo apparently = Bengali).
– The Flower of Persian Literatur Containing Extracts from the Most Celebrated Authors. 22+222 p. L. 1804 (anonymously published); other works on Persian, also on other topics.
Sources: H.R.T[edder], D.N.B. 49, 1897, 323; Wikipedia.
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