OESTERLEY, Hermann. Göttingen 14.6.1833 — Breslau 2.2.1891. German Librarian and Scholar of Literature. Son of Ferdinand Oesterley, the mayor of Göttingen, and Mathilde Scharlach. Studies of philosophy and music at Göttingen, Ph.D. 1855 in Philosophy. In 1858-61 PD für theoretische Musik at Kiel. In 1862-72 worked at Göttingen University Library.…
NYERUP, Rasmus. Syrup, Funen 12.3.1759 — Copenhagen 28.6.1829. Danish Scholar interested in India. Son of Christen Rasmussen, a poor villain, and Karen Simonsdatter. In 1773 came to Odense school, matriculated 1776. Studies of philology and theology at Copenhagen University, M.A. 1784. In 1784-1803 worked in Royal Library, 1796-1829 eo. Professor…
MUNK, Salomon. Gross-Glogau, Silesia (now Glogów, Poland) 2.5.1802 — Paris 5/6.2.(14.5.?)1867. German Oriental Scholar in France. Professor in Paris. Born in a Jewish family in Prussian Silesia, son of a poor synagogue servant, Lippmann Samuel Munk, educated at Rabbinical school in Gross-Glogau and in Berlin. Despite of poverty succeeded to…
MORISON, James. 1852 — 1935. British Indologist. Studies at Oxford (under Macdonell) and Vienna. Ph.D. 1893 Vienna (apparently under Bühler). From 1914 Librarian of Indian Institute at Oxford, also teaching. Apparently he had served in India as IA 24, 1895 contains his translation of A. Barth’s article. Married. Publications: Diss. Der elfte…
MEZZOFANTI, Giuseppe Gaspare. Bologna 19.9.1774 — Rome 15.3.1849. Italian Polyglot, Cardinal. Born in a humble family as the son of a carpenter, Francesco M. and Gesualda Dell’Olme, he showed early his talent in languages. Studied with the Piarists. Ordained priest 1797, he became Professor of Arabic, Hebrew and Greek at…
MERKEL, Josef. Mainz 4.8.1788 — 1866. German Teacher and Librarian interested in Sanskrit. From 1810 teacher at Philosophisches Lehrinstitut in Aschaffenburg, from 1818 Professor at local Lyceum. From 1828 also Hofbibliothekar in Aschaffenburg. Retired in old age. Publications: Translated Colebrooke’s essay “On the vedas”, published as an appendix to Bopp’s…
MASTER, Alfred. 12.2.1883 — 16.6.1978 (when 95). British Indologist (New Indo-Aryan and Telugu scholar). Son of George Reginald Master. Educated at King Edward VI School in Norwich, studies at Epsom College, Oxford (M.A.). In 1906 he joined the I.C.S., first as Assistant Collector and Magistrate in Bombay. Served in 1917…
MANEN, Mari Albert Johan van. Nijmegen 16.4.1877 — Calcutta 17.4.1943. Dutch Librarian and Theosophist in India. Son of Reinier Otto van Manen, an engineer in state service, and Maria Albertina Johanna van Tricht, grew up in Zutphen and Haarlem. After a chequered youth, more interested in art and politics than…
LINDSAY, Thomas Bond. New York 28.4.1853 — Glenview, KY 22.7.1909. U.S. Philologist. Professor in Boston. Son of John W. Lindsay. Studies in 1865-68 at Genessee Wesleyan Seminar, 1869 Boston Latin School, M.A. 1874 American Wesleyan University. In 1874-77 further studies in Germany. Ph.D. 1882 Boston University. In 1877-88 taught at…
KOŁAKOWSKI, Ignacy (Belarus Ignat Grigoravič Kulakoŭski). Janaŭščyna, Lithuanian gub. 6.2.1800 — Białystok 31.5.1860. Polish (Belarusian) Poet and Translator. Roman Catholic. From 1816 studies at the new Warsaw University. From 1823 worked as teacher, school director and librarian in Grodno. From 1840 Curator and 1844 Director of gymnasium in Białystok. He had…