Identity area
Reference code
Thompson MSS
Title
Date(s)
- Before 1939 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
8 card index boxes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
British Coptologist and Demotist. Born, London 1859. Died, Bath 1944. Educated at Marlborough College and Trinity College, Cambridge. Studied Law and was called to the Bar, but did not pursue this as a career. At the direction of his father he studied medicine, but work in the biological laboratories at University College, London threatened his eyesight. Encouraged by Petrie who he met during his time at University College, he embarked on his Egyptological career at the age of forty, studying with Griffith and Crum. He specialized in Coptic and Demotic, and became eminent in this field. Fellow, University College; Hon. D.Litt. Oxford; FBA. He assisted with the compilation of Crum's Coptic Dictionary. Published several Demotic and Coptic papyri as well as contributions towards other books. He left provision in his will for the foundation of a chair of Egyptology at Cambridge.
Archival history
In W. E. Crum's custody in 1939.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Presented to the Griffith Institute at Sir H. Thompson's request by W. E. Crum in 1939.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Greek dictionary card index, used in compiling W. E. Crum, A Coptic Dictionary (Oxford, 1929-39).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Kept as received.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Property of the Griffith Institute. No restrictions.
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright Griffith Institute, Oxford.
Language of material
- English
- Greek
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
No problems.
Finding aids
None.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Publication note
- Used for the preparation of W. E. Crum, A Coptic Dictionary (Oxford, 1929-39).