Many different innovations and discoveries have come from Scotland and its people. “Discoveries” is the gallery in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh that looks at Scots whose ideas, innovations and leadership took them across the world. This includes inventors, diplomats, and others. Shown below are photographs of some of the displays in this gallery.
Shown above is an Assyrian panel showing King Ahurnasirpal II (ruled 883 to 859 BCE). In the 19th century this panel belonged to Sir James Young Simpson, a leading Scottish obstetrician who pioneered the use of chloroform to relieve the pain of childbirth. He had a personal interest in archaeology and ancient medical practices.
Ahurnasirpal II was the son of Tukult-Ninurta II and consolidated his father’s conquests which then led to the establishment of the New Assyrian Empire.
Shown above is a panel of cuneiform writing describing the accomplishments of King Ahurnasirpal II.
Shown above is an Egyptian mummy and coffin which were given to the museum by the Scottish engineer Colonel Sir Colin Scott-Monrieff who was involved in building dams on the River Nile between 1885 and 1891.
The mummy is Iufenamun, a Senior Priest who dates to the tenth century BCE, the Third Intermediate Period, Early 22nd Dynasty. He appears to be about 40 years old. Iufenamun was an important priest at the Temple of Karnak. Among his duties was the responsibility for the necropolis known today as the Valley of the Kings.
The coffin doesn’t actually belong to Iufenamun, but to Tjentwerethequa, a priestess of Amun who may have been Iufenamun’s grandmother.
Shown above is an Iroquois ball-headed club which was presented to James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and 12th Earl of Kincardin who served as Governor General of Canada from 1847 to 1854.
Shown above is a display regarding Joseph Black (1728-1799), an innovative chemist.
Shown above is a display regarding Scottish design (Daniel Cottier (1838-1891)) and architecture (Robert Adam (1728-1792)).
Shown above is the Steward-Ford Formula 1 Car. The Stewart Grand Prix was formed by Sir Jackie Stewart and his son Paul.