Albert and Jan Jacob Schultens Manuscripts Collection

Albert Schultens (1686-1750) was the first of three generations of Dutch Orientalists. Born at Gröningen, he believed study of Arabic would enhance exegesis of obscure Biblical passages. He trained at Leiden and wrote his dissertation on The Use of Arabic in the Interpretation of Scripture in 1706. He received a theology degree in 1709. In 1729 he was awarded the first appointment of Interpres Legati Warneriani or “interpreter of the Warner Bequest,” named for the 17th century Orientalist Levinus Warner. Albert Schultens was professor of Oriental languages at Leiden from 1732 until his death in 1750.

Albert Schultens’ son, Jan Jacob Schultens (1717-1778) has been considered among the most learned Arabists of his time, along with J.J. Reiske. He was appointed professor at Herborn in 1742 before succeeding to the chair at Leiden. Jan’s son Hendrik Albert Schultens (1749-1793) focused his scholarly pursuits on Arabic literature and poetry. All three served as rector magnificus of Leiden University and chaired the Leiden-based Society of Netherlands Literature.