The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1905-07-01
A GREAT PHlLOLOGISL.
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In one of the quaint old streets Oh
the ancient Italian city OF DoAoSna
stands a queer little second DOCK
store, kept by one Signor Guln' out.
side the door, in odd-shaped stacks OF
shelves Guldi displays his wares, anu
before the racks, says the Weeks Prog
ress congregate many Of the protes-
sors of the University of Bologna, ana
other lovers of old and odd pupilca-
lions.
One day in 1882 signor Guidi stood
in his shop doorway watching idly a
bow who had found book which err
cited his keenest interest. Suddenly
turning, he brought 1t to the snopkeep-
or and demanded the price. Signor
Guidi looked at 1t and smiled. 1t was
the Life of Abdel Kader," written IN
Arabic. 1t was evident that the boy,
who was only BARRIERS helper, coulo
know nothing of Arabic.
MY child" said the shopkeeper,
kindly, this Is a book you could not
understand"
But how much is it," demanded
the boy.
The price Is 30 cents"
"And l have only 5!' The young
ster seemed so nearly on the verge OF
tears that the shopkeeper made him a
present of the volume, and sent him
away happy. Later in the day he told
some Of the university professors the
story, and the next day they waylaid
the boy, and held friendly examina-
ton. To their amazement he trans
lated readily at sight not only Arabic,
but Latin and Greek, German, French,
English and Hebrew. He expounded
and explained with such understand
ng that the professors ceased to ques-
ton, and applauded.
The boy was Alfred Trombetti, son
Of a poor laborer. His father had died
several years before, and on wages Of
20 cents day he had supported his
mother and had educated himself at
night by study at home. His case
was so amazing that at the recommen-
dalton of the professors the city Of
Bologna made him a scholarship Of
one hundred and twenty dollars a
year, and thus enabled him to pursue
his studies.
For more than ten years now Signor
Trombettl has taught school in Italy,
but ever since he obtained his doctors
degree he has kept busily at work In
his linguistic studies. Now he has an
nounced the result Of his study, work
Of four large manuscript volumes, en-
titled genealogical Relations Be-
tween Ancient Languages" He has
classified and rearranged more than
five hundred languages anad dialects,
ancient and modern, tracing them in
new way, and is said to have proved
scientifically the unity of their origin.
King Victor Emmanuel has declared
his intention Of paying the cost Of pub
fishing the books, the Academia de-
Lincei has given Signor Trombetti O
prize of two thousand Eve hundred
dollars, and he has been asked to go
back to Bologna as professor In the
university there.
The teachers who discovered his
learning, the bookseller who told them
Of the Arabic book, the city fathers
who gave him the scholarship now will
lay claim to having discovered and
helped the young boy, and to have
made his success possible But the
boy himself, studying by candlelight
night after night In his squalld home,
with books and candles bought out of
the savings from 20 cents day, with
munger gnawing at his stomach while
he worked-the boy himself IL the
original discoverer, and the one who
did the real helping.