© Griffith Institute, Oxford OX1 2LG
Concept and direction: Jaromir Malek
[Note: all dates have been standardized.]
Transcript: Sue Hutchison
Editing: Jaromir Malek and Ana I. Navajas Jimenez
The transcript presented here has been only very slightly edited, for example by correcting misspellings and eliminating duplication or omission of words. For easier reading, such cases are not marked but scans of the pages of these diaries will be available here soon and may be consulted for details.
Lucas when he arrived was not well, had a cold, and fever. The latter (by
the 18th) developed and proved to be para-typhoid.
On the morning of the 22nd, I had an interesting experience: when driving
up the valley (8am), I saw, quite near the car (not more than twenty yds
away) a seven to ten months old jackal. Quite black (perhaps a few grey
hairs under the abdomen); long muzzle; large pointed ears; and of the
attenuated form of the ancient Egyptian Anubis-animal. But the tail
though drooping was shorter than that represented by the god. This is now
the second example of this animal that I have witnessed, in both cases
resembling in form and in colour the Anubis-animal far more than the normal
jackal of these parts.
Had news of Lucas saying that he was progressing well.
Expect Burton to arrive towards the end of this week.
Burton arrived.
Just heard that Lucas has recovered and out of hospital. He wants to come
back on the 23rd Nov. I don't think that very wise.
Having a lot of trouble from stupidity on the part of the Reises & men. It
seems that they get more stupid as they get older - and slacker having been
perhaps too long with me.
Burton sufficiently strong to return to work today.
Eumorfopolous came to valley and afterwards to lunch - we went over various
monuments together.
(December 17, 2010)
September 20, 1928.
Dep. London 10.45. Vict. for Calais - Paris - Trieste.
September 21, 1928.
Arr. Trieste.
September 25, 1928.
Arr. Alex. - Cairo.
September 30, 1928.
Dep. Cairo - for Luxor.
October 1, 1928.
Arr. Luxor - Gurna. Finding everything in good order.
ctober 2, 1928.
Put things straight in house.
October 3, 1928.
Opened Lab. for recommencing work.
October 4-8, 1928.
Cleaned, repaired and noted the majority of the calcite vessels and
ornaments.
October 8, 1928.
Lucas arrived.
October 9-17, 1928.
With Lucas's aid cleaned repaired & noted a large quantity of miscellanea
that came in the sequence of discovery under the main No. 620. Lucas was
also able to clean, ready for waxing, two stools and one small chair.October 18, 1928.
Sent Lucas to Cairo to go to the Anglo-American hospital.
October 19-22, 1928.
The work progressed very slowly, I having developed a cold and far from
being fit to work at 'full steam'.October 25, 1928.
Car broke down and morning lost. I seem to be having a run of bad luck, with
poor Lucas in the hospital from whom at present I can't get any news.
October 29, 1928.
Continued this week, examining, repairing & recording a number of
miscellaneous objects found in boxes 367 and 565.November 5, 1928.
Work progressing slowly - some nice specimens of tapestry - woven textiles
turned up. Though in bad condition they show quite interesting details
especially the needle-work.November 6, 1928.
Burton began his photographic records.
November 9, 1928.
Which progressed well but unfortunately he fell ill today. He having
contracted in Cairo 'dengue-fever' which suddenly became evident this evening.
November 15, 1928.
Burton progressing as well as possible - a relapse today which means the end
of the fever. He won't be fit for ten days however.November 24, 1928.
Work progressing. The box (370) containing all kinds of weapons entails a lot
of work & recording.December 4, 1928.
Lucas returned from Cairo this morning. I had hoped to go to Cairo for a few
days - the end of Nov. but what with Burton being able to return I did not
feel justified in delaying the work more than possible so decided to put
off going to Cairo later in Dec.