DAVIDS, ARTHUR LUMLEY:

By: Joseph Jacobs, Goodman Lipkind

English Orientalist; born in London 1811; died from a sudden attack of cholera July 19, 1832. At an early age he applied himself more particularly to the study of mechanics, music, and experimental philosophy. At the age of fifteen he began the preparation of a "Bible Encyclopedia," at the same time making himself proficient in Turkish and in other foreign languages. Wishing to follow the legal profession, he entered the office of a solicitor, but found himself prevented as a Jew from proceeding to the bar. This prompted his devotion to the cause of the civil emancipation of the Jews, which he advocated in several articles addressed to the London "Times."

Davids' reputation as a scholar rests on his "Grammar of the Turkish Language," dedicated to the Sultan of Turkey, Maḥmud II., which, being the product of so youthful a scholar, evoked high appreciation and commendation.

J. G. L.