History Commons^™

This paper discusses the life and legacy of Edward Elbridge Salisbury (1814-1901), focusing on his role as a founding member of the American Oriental Society-in particular his editorial and material support of the JAOS, and how this raised the international profile of American scholarship in Oriental studies.

In August 1841 the Yale Corporation appointed Salisbury as professor of Arabic and Sanskrit languages and literature, the first such position in the Americas. A year later, on September 7, 1842, "a few gentlemen interested in Oriental literature" founded the American Oriental Society in Boston and--given the significance of his academic appointment--elected …

In 1841 the Yale Corporation appointed alumnus Edward Elbridge Salisbury (class of 1832) as professor of Arabic and Sanskrit languages and literature, the first such position in the Americas.

This exhibit marks the 175th anniversary of his appointment. It introduces visitors to Salisbury’s scholarly development, his career at Yale and after, his benefactions (including two endowed chairs), and the growth of Yale collections of Islamic manuscripts after Salisbury’s death in 1901.

Salisbury was among the earliest members of the American Oriental Society (founded 1842), and energetically supported both the organization and its journal. His most famous student, William Dwight Whitney, …