The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700

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Edward Pococke (1604 - 1691)

Clergyman (DD) and biblical scholar, in 1630 he went Aleppo as chaplain to the English factory of the Levant Company. Here he studied Arabic and collected manuscripts. He became the first Chair of Arabic at Oxford in 1636 but sailed back to Constantinople the next summer to continue his studies and collecting of manuscripts, remained there for about three years. Dictionary of National Biography entry: http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/22430?docPos=1 Other biography: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Pococke Relationships: Edward Pococke was a employed by Levant Company (1592-)

 References in Documents:
MS Book of the Principal of Brasenose College (MacGregor, ed.) * Dens apri cujusdam. An potius Baby-roussæ? Ex dono Cl. V. E. Pocockij S.T.P. 41 Tooth of some sort of hog; possibly a Babyroussa. Given by that learned man, Revd Edward Pococke.
MS Book of Benefactors (MacGregor, ed.)

The Very Reverend and celebrated Edward Pococke, Doctor of Divinity and Regius Professor of Oriental Languages, decided to give the Museum various objects pertaining to the Jewish religion, namely: 1, The Book of Esther which is read by the Jews in Synagogue at the Festival of Purim (which falls on 14 and 15 of February). 2, A Jewish trumpet made of a ram's horn which is blown every day, both morning and evening, between 1 and 28 of August, and also on the day of Atonement. 3, Philacteries worn on the forehead to be a reminder of God's laws. 4, Philacteries worn on the arms which are tied to the bare left arm to be close to the heart. 5, A Jewish whip with a triple thong made from the skin of the ass, sheep and ox. In addition we received, after this very distinguished man's death, a Turkish robe of honour which he, respected even by a foreign people for his character and learning, was presented with during his travels in the Ottoman Empire.