DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.9059#0088
THE VALUE OF PAPYRI.
83
may be expected from a temple or from a tomb;
but with the papyrus one is in the dark. In
fact, such a papyrus might be discovered as
would prove of more importance than an entire
temple; and certain it is that if ever one of
those discoveries that bring about a revolution
in science should be made in Egyptology, the
world will be indebted for it to a papyrus.
As all excavations are interdicted in Egypt
and no permissive firman has ever been given,
one might imagine that opportunities of purchas-
ing papyri can never present themselves. Such,
however, is not the case. All travellers in
Upper Egypt must have seen fellahs working in
those parts of the ruins where the crude brick-
walls are crumbling into powder. What they
are seeking is the dust which comes from the
crumbling bricks, and which they use for
manure. Now and then, however, a piece of
good luck awaits them, and it is not an un-
common occurrence for a papyrus to be found
in this manure. Nor must it be forgotten that,
in spite of all prohibitions, clandestine searches
are made, particularly at Thebes, and in this
way also, among many other monuments, papyri
may be discovered. It is for the traveller to
83
may be expected from a temple or from a tomb;
but with the papyrus one is in the dark. In
fact, such a papyrus might be discovered as
would prove of more importance than an entire
temple; and certain it is that if ever one of
those discoveries that bring about a revolution
in science should be made in Egyptology, the
world will be indebted for it to a papyrus.
As all excavations are interdicted in Egypt
and no permissive firman has ever been given,
one might imagine that opportunities of purchas-
ing papyri can never present themselves. Such,
however, is not the case. All travellers in
Upper Egypt must have seen fellahs working in
those parts of the ruins where the crude brick-
walls are crumbling into powder. What they
are seeking is the dust which comes from the
crumbling bricks, and which they use for
manure. Now and then, however, a piece of
good luck awaits them, and it is not an un-
common occurrence for a papyrus to be found
in this manure. Nor must it be forgotten that,
in spite of all prohibitions, clandestine searches
are made, particularly at Thebes, and in this
way also, among many other monuments, papyri
may be discovered. It is for the traveller to