Models
Egypt, Ancient
Two images of a model boat and a group of people preparing food.
Steele, Lawrence E.
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
Still image
Photograph of a model dipicting people at work. The workers appear to be supervised by a person accompanied by an animal.
Hieroglyphics
Photograph of a stone orthostat with hieroglyphics from the Temple of Mut.
Boats and boating
Two images of funerary boat models. The top image depicts two human figures raising a mast with others rowing. The bottom image displays eight human figures rowing.
Archaeology
Photograph of a stone orthostat with hieroglyphics among excavated ruins. A section of a second orthostat is visible in the image.
Temples, Egyptian
Photograph of the ruins of the Temple of Amenhotep II surrounded by dwellings.
Buildings
Ruins
Photograph of a large, tall, conical brick structure, that appears to be a remnant of a larger building. Three people are standing on a set of steps in the centre of the image.
Close-up photograph of temple ruins with carvings in the stone. A brick wall is visible in the background.
Panoramic view of the archaeological site of Deir el-Medina.
Floor plans
Image of a floor plan of a room or structure with an entrance and a statue. The image is a simple, hand-drawn-style outline on a black background.
Statues
Tombs--Egypt
Photograph of the remains of four statues visible in the tomb of Ineni. The wall to the right features a mural.
Handwritten title slide of presentation that states, "The Old Egyptian and his Tomb".
Image of a section of the Papyrus of Ani, a famous manuscript of the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. The scene depicted is the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony, a critical part of the journey to the afterlife.
Technical drawing of an archaeological site
Image of a technical drawing of an archaeological site. The drawing consists of a top-down view and a cross-section view, showing the layout and structure of a tomb or chapel with shafts and a burial chamber.
Relief carving of a purification ritual for a king
Relief (Art)
Close-up photograph of a relief carving from the Temple of Khonsu. The scene depicts a purification ritual for a king, likely during the New Kingdom period.
Detail from a relief carving from the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, depicting a naval battle between the ancient Egyptians and the "Sea Peoples. The scene is a detailed representation of the naval combat, showing Egyptian ships engaging the enemy vessels.
Stone structure and wall with hieroglyphs
Close up view of a stone structure with a wall in the background. Both structures are decorated with hieroglyphs.
Close-up view of a relief carving depicting a battle between two male figures at a tomb entrance .
Photograph of the columns of the mortuary temple of Ramesses III.
Maps
Image of an historical map showing the extent of the Egyptian Empire and the surrounding regions during ancient times.
Wall relief from the Temple of Ramesses III
Close-up view of a wall relief from the Temple of Ramesses III depicting a horse and human figures with bows and arrows.
Photograph of a wall decorated with carvings in a tomb. A relief carving of the ancient Egyptian god Khepri and the sun god Ra is visible at the left of the image.
Relief carving in stone of the side profile of a person's face. The figure is wearing a headdress with horns, which could represent a deity or a pharaoh.
Relief carving in stone of the side profile of a person's face. This carving is believed to be located near the entrance of the archaeological site of Rabana-Merquly.
Relief carving depicting three male figures in profile facing right. It is believed to be a relief of Amorites, an ancient Semitic-speaking people.
Relief carving from the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III
Photograph of a relief carving from the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. The image depicts a male figure and a horse-like figure.
Relief carving in stone of the side profile of a pharaoh or other royal figure. The carving is believed to be from the tomb of Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep in Saqqara, Egypt.
Two relief carvings of a person's face in side and front profile. The image shows a warrior with a distinctive feathered helmet, which is a common depiction of the Sea Peoples in Egyptian art.
Relief carving in stone of the side profile of a pharaoh or other royal figure.
Photograph of a wall with hieroglyphs at the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III, located in Medinet Habu, Luxor, Egypt. The image depicts a human figure surrounded by hieroglyphs.
Photograph of a relief carving of a male figure hunting an animal with a bow and arrow.
Colossal statue of Ramesses II beside a smaller statue
Photograph of a colossal statue of Ramesses II at the Luxor Temple in Egypt. The smaller statue standing next to the pharaoh's leg is believed to be of his wife, Queen Nefertari.
Photograph of a relief carving depicting Pharaoh Ramesses III hunting wild bulls in the marshes.
Pottery
Photograph of excavated pottery including vases and other vessels
Image of a handwritten title slide with a list entitled "Elements of Man".
Image showing a statue of Mereruka, an ancient Egyptian vizier, inside his mastaba tomb in Saqqara, Egypt. A relief carving of a male figure is visible to the left of the statue.
Photograph of the entrance to a tomb, possibly in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. The image depicts two men standing near the entrance, which is carved into a rock face. The entrance itself is a dark, rectangular opening with a circular feature above it.
Wall painting from the Tomb of Djeserkaraseneb
Mural painting and decoration, Egyptian
Image of a wall painting from the Tomb of Djeserkaraseneb. The scene depicts agricultural activities and daily life, including figures working in fields, harvesting, and processing grain. The painting also shows a seated figure, likely Djeserkaraseneb, overseeing the work.
Mural painting from the tomb of the army commander Amenemheb Meh.
Mural painting and decoration
Photograph of a mural painting from the tomb of the army commander Amenemheb Meh, located in Sheikh 'Abd al-Qurna, Thebes, Egypt. The mural depicts a banquet scene.
Collection of pottery and other artifacts from the ancient Egyptian sites of Maḥâsna and Bêt Khallâf.
Photograph of a collection of pottery and other artifacts from the ancient Egyptian sites of Maḥâsna and Bêt Khallâf. The artifacts date to the Predynastic period and the 3rd Dynasty of ancient Egypt. The collection includes various vessels, some of which are stoneware, and other objects of what appears to be a stone dish and a stand.
Trenches
Image of a series of excavated trenches dug into a dry, sandy landscape. The trenches are stepped, suggesting they were dug for a specific purpose, such as an archaeological dig or military fortifications.
Photograph of an ancient stone structure in a desert-like environment.
Dams--Egypt
Egypt
Photograph of a dam on the River Nile possibly the Aswan Dam.
Aerial photograph of excavated ruins in a desert-like landscape.
Sculpture
Image of the false-door stela of Iteti on display in the Cairo Museum.
Image of a false door at the entrance to a tomb. The false door is decorated with reliefs of figures and hieroglyphs. A metal gate has been installed in the doorway.
Mural from the tomb of Iti and his wife Neferu
Photograph of a wall painting from the tomb of Iti and his wife Neferu, located in Gebelein, Egypt. The painting depicts a large figure, likely a deity, above four smaller figures, possibly the tomb's owner and his family or servants.
Drawings
Woodcut depicting an ancient Egyptian chariot and human figures.
Skull
Image of a floor plan that is possibly for the Temple of Nippur.
Photograph of the false-door stele of Iteti, which is a part of the mastaba of Iteti. The central figure is a statue of Iteti, the deceased, facing the false door. The false door and surrounding walls are carved with hieroglyphs and images of other figures.
Diagram of a false-door from an ancient Egyptian tomb
Photograph of a relief from the Mastaba of Mereruka, an ancient Egyptian tomb located in the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo.
Mural painting from the tomb of Ramses IX
Photograph of a mural painting from the tomb of Ramses IX, in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt. The scene depicts a procession of deities on a boat.
Image of an entrance to the Tomb of Khnumhotep II, located in the Beni Hasan necropolis in Middle Egypt.
Photograph of an entrance to a tomb. An Egyptian man is standing at the entrance.
Models (Clay, plaster, etc.)
Photograph of what appears to be a plaster cast model of an archaeological excavation site.
Image of a clay model of a temple. The artifact depicts a building with a series of columns supporting a roof structure.
Image of a clay model of a temple. The artifact depicts a building with a series of columns supporting a roof structure. Four posts stand in front of the pillars.
Image of a clay model of a temple. The artifact depicts a building with a series of columns supporting a roof structure. The model is a fragment, with significant portions of its base and upper structure missing.
Image of two models of offering trays. The models often feature representations of food offerings, such as bread, meat, and vegetables, to sustain the deceased in the afterlife. The models are of different sizes and design.
Photograph of a model of an ancient Egyptian two storey house, likely dating to the Middle Kingdom (2040–1640 BC). It was excavated by the British archaeologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, who is known for his extensive work in Egypt and Palestine. The model is a rare example of a house from this period, providing insight into ancient Egyptian architecture.
Image of a model of a two storey temple. The artifact depicts a building with a series of columns.
Image of models of offering trays with fragments. The models often feature representations of food offerings, such as bread, meat, and vegetables, to sustain the deceased in the afterlife. Two of the trays are intact with a fragment beside each.
Photograph of a model of a house or tomb chapel, often found in tombs. It likely dates from the First Intermediate Period to the early Middle Kingdom.
Model of a temple with a large courtyard
Photograph of a model of a temple with a large courtyard. The artifact depicts a building with a series of columns supporting a roof structure.
Distant view of Cairo featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Mosques
Photograph of a distant view of the citadel of Cairo with the Mosque of Muhammad Ali at the centre.
Photograph of a distant view of desert ruins. The image depicts a desert landscape with what appears to be the remains of stone or mud-brick structures.
Archaeological excavation of a circular artifact
Excavations (Archaeology)
Photograph of an archaeological excavation of a broken, circular artifact. The artifact is a circular structure, possibly a large vessel or a feature such as a hearth, made of a ceramic or stone-like material. It is partially buried in the ground and appears to be broken into several pieces. A geometric, patterned design is visible along the outer rim of the object.
Photograph of a mural on the wall of an Egyptian tomb. The mural depicts male figures at work.
Wall painting from the tombs of Beni Hasan in Middle Egypt
Image of a wall painting from the tombs of Beni Hasan in Middle Egypt. The tombs are well-known for their detailed wall paintings, which depict scenes of daily life, military training, and various activities. The paintings provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of ancient Egyptian society. The image specifically shows a series of wrestling scenes, which are a prominent feature in some of the tombs at Beni Hasan.
Main street and the round tower on Tory Island, County Donegal, Ireland
Tory Island (Ireland)
Round towers
Photograph of the Main street and the round tower on Tory Island, County Donegal, Ireland. Three men are visible walking away from the camera.
Bust after Francis Bacon’s ‘Three Studies for a Self-portrait (1972)’
Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992
Portrait sculpture, Irish-21st century
Royal Dublin Society
The subject modelled after Bacon’s self-portrait triptych which he made in 1972.
Swan, Eleanor, b.1959
2010
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from A. A. Campbell Swinton
Campbell Swinton, A. A.
Cathode rays.
A typed letter to Prof. G.F. Fitzgerald in which Swinton sends a copy of his original paper where he describes the outcome and findings of his experiment. Swinton suggests that his findings are contradictory to the suggestions that Prof. Fitzgerald suggests. 1 pp. Transcription: Dear Sir, I have read with much interest your letter in today's "Electrician" in reference to my cathode ray experiments. I have thought it well to write a short note to the "Electrician" on the subject, and have pleasure in sending you herewith copy of same, with a copy of my original paper, on which I have marked the descriptions of the phenomena which appear to me to be somewhat contradictory to the very interesting explanation that you have suggested. Believe me, Yours truly, A. A. C. Swinton
Swinton, Alan A. Cambell (Alan Archibald Campbell), 1863-1930
RDS Library & Archives GFF collection of letters
1897
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901
Text
Silver
The campana-shaped body on a stem cast as three horses sheltering under a tree with a rockwork base, the sides robustly chased with flowers and foliage on a matted ground, with two leaf-cap scroll handles, engraved on one side with a coat-of-arms and on the other with the arms of the Royal Dublin Society, the integral base with a horse motif at each corner, chased on three sides with scenes of Dublin and on the fourth side with an inscription reading PRESENTED TO THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF PEMBROKE & MONTGOMERY TO ENCOURAGE THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE BREED OF HORSES IN IRELAND, and further engraved with other inscriptions. Robert Henry Herbert, 12th Earl of Pembroke and 9th Earl of Montgomery (1791-1862) was a British nobleman and peer, whose father George Augustus Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke, had inherited the Fitzwilliam estates in Dublin city from his father's 1st cousin, the 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam, in 1816.
Terrey, John Edward, d. 1859
1845
RDS_treasures_C64_Terrey & Co_Pembroke 1845 cup.jpg
Floreat Hibernia: A Bio-Bibliography of Robert Lloyd Praeger (1865-1953)
Botany
The digital reproduction of Floreat Hibernia: A Bio-Bibliography of Robert Lloyd Praeger 1865-1953 by Timothy Collins with a preface by David Bellamy.
Timothy Collins
1985
RDS Library & Archives
David Bellamy
Print
Landscape painting, Belgian
Pastoral landscape at sunset. Positioned centre, a shepherd girl carrying a faggot in her proper left hand converses with a herdsman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying a staff in his proper left hand while driving cattle and sheep on a hillock surmounted by two trees; to right at middle distance, a landscape with more trees and sheep; to left at far distance, a low-lying, bucolic landscape; the entire scene set against a vast, clear-blue sky tinged with pink-orange tones on the horizon; signed and dated lower right Edmond Tschaggeny p. 1854.
Tschaggeny, Edmond Jean Baptiste, 1818-1873
1854
RDS_treasures_115_Tschaggeny_Herding Stock.jpg
Vallancey, Charles, 1721-1812
Portrait painting, Irish--19th century
Royal Dublin Society. Drawing Schools
Portrait of General Charles Vallancey (Ca.1725-1812), British military surveyor, cartographer and Chief Engineer of Ireland, Vice-President of the (Royal) Dublin Society (1799-1812). The subject depicted full length, in three-quarter left profile, gazing front; seated in a carved giltwood armorial armchair with shaped oval upholstered back in a moulded frame and cabriole supports carved as dolphins on moulded supports and scrolled toes (the supports identical to those of RDS.534 The RDS President's Chair), against the left side of which two cartography portfolios are propped; his proper left arm on the armrest of the chair, his proper right arm resting on a cartograph which is spread between his lap and a table, upon which also is an inkwell and two quills; wearing a single-curl periwig, dark blue coat with high turndown collar, wide lapel and brass buttons, yellow stand-collar waistcoat, white cravat, dark breeches and highly polished black boots; set against a red curtain, pulled back to reveal the base of a classical column in the upper left of the composition. Andrew Richard Twigg was a pupil at the Royal Dublin Society Drawing Schools.
Twigg, Andrew Richard, d.1810
1810
RDS_treasures_177_Williams_Charles Vallancey.jpg
[Letter to Dr William Francis from John Tyndall],
Tyndall, John, 1820-1893
Francis, William, 1817-1904. Correspondence
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. In the letter, the men are collecting and sending testimonials, as well as making editorial decisions. Tyndall has sent him parcels of writings, copies of testimonials and translations. Some significant scientists of the time are mentioned including: Dr John Percy, E. Sabine, H. G. Magnus, R. Bunsen, J.C Poggendorf and a ‘DuBois’. Tyndall mentions being in correspondence with Sir Robert Kane and requests 100 copies of testimonials be sent to him, in order to send to Faraday “and others.” There is also some commentary on the challenges of the contemporary postal system. 4pp.
7 October 1850
Francis, William, 1817-1904
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to William Francis, dated 20 July 1852. Tyndall informs Francis he is going to the Isle of Wright for two or three days and will correct any papers he sends him on his return. 2 pp.
20 July 1852
Tyndall, John, 1820-1893 Francis, William, 1817-1904. Correspondent RDS Library & Archives
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. The letter contains a scathing review of the work of “Woodhead” which Tyndall describes as “perfect nonsense.” 3pp.
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. The letter contains Tyndall’s recommendations for papers for Francis’ publication, comments on magnetic tables to be included and mentions a three day trip on an island. Sent from Queenwood College. 4pp
[25 July]
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis, explaining why he couldn’t see him while in town last. The letter also mentions a lecture by Sr. Edward Frankland, which he attended and thought of “favourably.” He also asks to be sent work by C. Daubeny. 4pp
July 1852
Helmholtz, Hermann von, 1821-1894.
Clausius, R. (Rudolf), 1822-1888.
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. This letter mainly features Tyndall’s thoughts on the papers to be added to the next edition of the magazine. Contributors include Helmholtz, Bunsen, Knoblauch and Clausius. 3pp.
4 October 1852
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. His letter mentions a paper by Richard Adie, which he recommends be given a prominent place in a future publication. He also sends his greetings to Francis’ father Mr. Taylor, who Francis is caring for in Sydenham. Sent from Queenwood College. 3pp.
11 October 1852
Peltier, J. C. A., 1785-1845.
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. Tyndall asks Francis to send him some writings which detail performances of Peltier’s experiments. He also mentions a request from Bence Jones to translate some of Liebig’s work and to deliver a “course of lectures” to the Royal Institute. Written from Queenwood College. 4pp.
17 October 1852
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. The letter mentions Rev. John Barlow, Secretary of the Royal Institute, organising for Tyndall to give a lecture in the coming February. 2pp.
1852
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. In the letter he mentions sending translations of works by Clausius, Bunsen and Helmholz. He also requests to be sent twelve prospectuses for the Scientific Memoir. 4pp.
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. In the letter, Tyndall says he has adopted Francis’ “plan” and has gotten “a boy” to write for him. As this is mentioned in the context of a printer, it is likely one of his papers. He also mentions his work on the Scientific Memoirs and praises the recent works of Helmholtz. 3pp.
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. The letter contains comments on various papers including that of Tyndall’s, Helmholz and an extensive discussion of the work of a Reuben. The letter also includes Tyndall’s sympathies for the poor health of Francis’ father Richard Taylor. Sent from Queenwood College. 6pp.
10 November 1852
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. In the letter he mentions sending translations of works by Clausius, Bunsen and Helmholz. He also requests to be sent some prospectuses for the Scientific Memoirs. 4pp.
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. In the letter he discusses the editing of articles in the paper and translations he has done. He also recommends a paper by Ferdinand Reich for inclusion in the magazine as his “experiments.. interest every body.” 3pp.
15 Dec 1852
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. Contains editorial comments about various papers including those by Adie, Phillips and Reuben. 4pp.
[Letter to Dr William Francis from John Tyndall].
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. This letter contains some editors notes to be added to an article by Dove in the Philosophical Magazine 1852. 1pp.
Handwritten letter from John Tyndall to Dr William Francis. Tyndall sends Francis an anonymous article by a ‘duBois’ alongside the work of Michael Donovan for inclusion in next month’s issue of the Philosophical Magazine. He also includes the details of an editor’s note to be inserted. 2pp.
January 1853
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. The main bulk of the letter contains Tyndall’s attempt to bolster Francis's spirit, who, in a previous letter stated he “was almost used up.” He encourages him to persevere and to have courage. He also mentions a paper by H.G. Magnus which he has sent to Bunce Jones for criticism. 4pp.
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. He suggests H H de Sénarmont’s work from the Annales de Chimie 3 xxxiii 391 as a worthwhile addition to the Scientific Memoirs they are compiling. He offers to split the cost with Francis if he will have it translated. He also asks Francis to have a boy deliver an enclosed note to the Royal Society so he can borrow a copy of G. S. MacKenzie’s Travels in Iceland. He intends to have some of the drawings copied. 3pp.
March 1853
Handwritten letter to William Francis from John Tyndall. In this short note, Tyndall asks Francis to look over the work sent alongside the letter and to return it with his thoughts “quickly”. He asks him particularly to check the punctuation and quality. 1pp.
Incomplete pages from a handwritten letter by John Tyndall, likely to William Francis. In this section, he mentions two lectures he will give in Romsey and Southampton on “optics illustrated by electric light.” He also mentions Dionysius Lardner and pities him for his “false step.” 2pp.