Memorandum on the subject of the Earl of Elgin's pursuits in Greece (London, 1811)

36

Greek alphabet, throughout the most in-
teresting period of Grecian history.

; A few bronzes, cameos, and intaglios,
were also procured : in particular, a cameo
of very exquisite beauty, in perfect prer
servation, and of a peculiarly fine stone ;
it represents a female centaur suckling a
young one Lord Elgin was equally for-
tunate in forming a collection of Greek
medals, among which are several that are
very rare ; others of much historical merit ;
and many most admirable specimens of art»
The late Dr. Carlyle, Professor of Ara?
bic at Cambridge, had accompanied Lord
Elgin to Turkey, in the hopes of discover-
ing any hidden treasures of Grecian or
Arabic literature. Accordingly, Lord
Elgin obtained for him access to some
deposits of MSS. in the Seraglio : and, in
company with another gentleman of the
embassy, amply qualified also for the
research, he examined many collections
in Constantinople, and in the neighbour-