Two Links

[stoutfellow]

Here is an online exhibit of manuscripts from the Desert Libraries of Timbuktu. The descriptions of the manuscripts are quite interesting. Hat tip to, um, Language Hat.

Meanwhile, Tenser, said the Tensor notices the etymology of a couple of interesting words.

Comments

[hornedhopper.livejournal.com]

"Arithmetic Primer
This commentary by the eighteenth-century scholar al-Rasmuki explains a work by al-Samlali the medieval mathematician. Using charts and examples of problems, the commentator demonstrates the rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. He also discusses the history and development of mathematics. The text was used extensively by students in Timbuktu and North Africa."

There is something melancholy about beautifully inscribed texts on learned subjects, used by scholars in a place that is now referenced by us (in general) as meaning some minute blot on the corner of the back end of beyond.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful texts.

[stoutfellow.livejournal.com]

"boundless and bare / The lone and level sands stretch far away." Yeah.

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

My university was involved in the digitising of the texts, so I got to hear a presentation from one of the chief scholars involved. Absolutely fascinating. I'm especially pleased with how facilities were built on site to house the manuscripts rather than than dragging them all to some distant European or American institution for safe-keeping.

[toraks.livejournal.com]

Very cool! Especially the manuscripts.

Thanks for linking!

I have to admit in being very interested in evidence that there is/was learning outside the Western World. Being firmly convinced that Indian culture far preceded all such in breadth and depth of knowledge of many things, of course. ;-)