The craft in danger

Category

Library Item

Item no

13442

Title

The Craft in Danger, an uproar among the craftsmen at Ephesus opposing a new species of knowledge which they thought might interfere with the profits of their trade

Description

The large skeleton of an elephant is the centre of attention for a group of men some of whom are agitated and wielding sticks or bones. In addition some of the group are attacking the structure to cause its collapse.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1817

Size

18.5 x 28 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows:
"This print affords a partial view of the Old College of Edinburgh and its entrance. The skeleton of the elephant was prepared by Sir George Ballingall while serving as assistant-surgeon with the second battalion of the royals in India; was subsequently presented by him to his old master, Dr Barclay; and ultimately bequeathed by the Doctor, along with the rest of his collection, to the Royal College of surgeons, in whose valuable Museum it forms a conspicuous object.
The plate refers to the proposed institution of a Professorship of Comparative Anatomy in the University of Edinburgh, in 1817, for which Dr Barclay was at the time considered to be an eligable candidate. He is represented as riding in at the College gate on the skeleton of the elephant, supported by the late Dr Gregory, and welcomed by his friend, the late Robert Johnston, Esq., who were supposed to be favourable to the proposed Professorship, and to Dr Barclay's pretensions to the Chair. He is opposed by Dr Hope, who fixes his anchor in the strontian, and resists the entrance of the elephant by means of the cable passed round its forelegs. He is also opposed with characteristic weapons, by Dr Monro and Professor Jameson, on whose respective departments the intended Professorship was supposed to be an encroachment."

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Related subjects

Animals > Body parts > Skeletons

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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