Narrative of a Journey to Morocco, in 1863 and 1864

Thomas Hodgkin

Jan 1866 · T. C. Newby

About this ebook

Dr. Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866) was a pioneer in preventive medicine. He is best known for the first account of a form of lymphoma and blood disease, now known as Hodgkin's disease. As personal physician to Sir Moses Montefi ore for forty years, Hodgkin was the philanthropists' constant travelling companion. This fascinating travelogue, relates to Sir Moses Montefiore's diplomatic mission to present the Sultan of Morocco with a petition designed to alleviate the travails of the Jews of Morocco. The mission accomplished, the Sultan granted a Firman guaranteeing the rights of his Jewish subjects. Hodgkin notes: "This interesting and important document assures the equal protection of the law to the Israelites of Morocco, in common with the other subjects of the Sultan, and is couched in terms strongly evincing the excellent intentions of his Sheriffi an Majesty" (p. 124). Thomas Hodgkin died on April 5, 1866, in the Holy Land, where he had accompanied Montefiore on yet another of his missions on behalf of the Jews. He was buried in a small Protestant Churchyard in Jaffa where Sir Moses erected an obelisk in memory of his friend. Although this cemetery is now closed, Hodgkins' grave still remains.

Ratings and reviews

This is a marvellous story describing a corner of the world in a time of transition. Dr. Hodgkin has the eyes of a scientist.