MURRAY, Alexander. Dunkitterick, Kirkcudbrightshire 22.10.1775 — Edinburgh 15.4.1813. British (Scottish) Philologist and Oriental Scholar. Son of Robert Murray, a shepherd and farm labourer. Of modest origin, bur talented, he was admitted to Edinburgh University, although he had hardly any formal education, and thus became a priest. From 1812 Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University. Worked much on Hebrew and Ge‘ez, commented on Halhed’s Gentoo Laws and was John Leyden’s friend. D.D. 1812 Edinburgh. Married 1808 Henrietta Affleck, one daughter and one son.
Publications: Edited Bruce’s Ethiopian Journal and wrote his life.
– Review of Maurice’s ‘History of Hindostan, Edinburgh Review 1805, other writings.
– History of the European Languages, or Researches into the Affinities of the Teutonic, Greek, Celtic, Slavonic, and Indian Nations. 1-2. Edinburgh 1823.
Sources: *Life in his posthumous 1823 book; Th.W. Baine, D.N.B. 39, 1894, 346f.; *J.D. Haigh, Oxford D.N.B.; Wikipedia with drawing.
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