Brown's Persian Dictionary & Grammar

Manuscript, including English-Persian Vocabulary, with supplements, examples of Persian writing collected by the author, and a Grammar.

Preface to the manuscript reads, "This Dictionary and Grammar of the Persian Language was compiled by the late James Brown Esquire (only surviving son of James Brown MD) who was born at [?] in the Shire of Roxburgh in North Britain 23 May 1709, and having received his education at Westminster School, in his youth visited Constantinople with his Father. Afterward, on 15 July 1741 he entered into an Agreement with Sir John Thompson, Governor, and the other Members of the Russia Company of London, as their chief Agent or Factor for the purpose of carrying on a Trade, through Russia, to and from Persia; in consequence of which he repaired to Reshol [?] in Persia, on the Borders of the Capian Sea, where he established a Factory, in which he continue near four years: during this time he procured the Specimens of Persian Writing which are hereto annexed, and made a considerable proficiency in the study of the Language. At length, growing weary of his Situation, he resigned his Charge, returned to London on Christmas Day 1746, and retired to Stoke Newington in the County of Middlesex, where he spent part of his leisure time in composing this Book, and where he dyed 30 November 1788".

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Preface to the manuscript reads, "It was the wish of his [the author's] only Son and Heir, James Brown of Saint Alban's, in the County of Hertford, that this Book might be deposited in some Public Library, where the Public would have access to it, and derive from it any Benefit that it might be capable of affording". Affixed to the volume is a letter dated 5 March 1810, addressed to Rev George Burder, from John Hayter Cox, offering the Dictionary to him. It was accepted and placed in the Library of the London Missionary Society.