Academy Sciences Lisbon, First Edition (1 results)

Soft cover. Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Sousa, João de. Vestigios da lingoa Arabica em Portugal, ou Lexicon Etymologico das palavras, e nomes portuguezes, que tem origem Arabica Lisbon, Royal Academy of Sciences, 1789. Small 4to. Xx + 160p. Portuguese text interspersed with Arabic letters. Title with ornamental vignette incorporating Portuguese arms. Original marbled pictorial wrappers preserved in quarter morocco slip box. £1250 First edition of the first etymological dictionary to record Portuguese words of Arabic origin. The entries are arranged alphabetically in Portuguese, followed by the equivalent Arabic word or source; a transliteration, and an explanation. João de Sousa was born in Damascus, Syria, and became the first professor of Arabic at Lisbon University. He was a frequently published member of the Royal Academy of Sciences who commissioned this publication. The next work on the subject, by Francisco de S.Luiz, did not appear until 1837. An attractive copy in its original binding with a contemporary ownership signature on the title deleted in ink. Innocencio IV, 41-42 & 437 (unseen, without collation); Palau 320777; Palha 673.