The publication of the Arabic Bible dictionary by George Edward Post marked a significant intersection of linguistics, theology, and colonial-era scholarship. Born in New York City in 1838, Post operated as a surgeon, botanist, and academic, ultimately spending much of his professional life in Beirut. He moved between diverse scientific disciplines, influencing both clinical medical practices and botanical classification systems.
Medical Career and Academic Tenure
Post graduated from the City College of New York before pursuing a career that integrated missionary work with medical practice. In 1860, he arrived in Syria to serve as a missionary doctor. His academic contributions centered on the American University of Beirut, where he held the position of professor of surgery. His surgical expertise was recognized by the Kingdom of Prussia, which awarded him the Order of the Red Eagle.
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Beyond his medical practice, Post became a prolific botanical collector and researcher. He was a member of the Torrey Botanical Society and formally described 221 taxa during his career. His 1896 work, Flora of Syria, Palestine and Sinai, served as an authoritative text in the field. This volume was later revised by John Edward Dinsmore and published posthumously between 1932 and 1933, detailing native plants such as Iris hermona. Botanical nomenclature honors his contributions; the genus Postiella, established by Evgeniy Vasilyevich Kljuykov in 1985, is named after him.
Linguistic and Scholarly Output
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Post bridged linguistic gaps in theological and scientific discourse. He authored 18 articles in Arabic and translated two texts from Arabic into English. His written work spanned medicine, natural history, and theology, including a contribution to Smith's Bible Dictionary in 1893. His Arabic Dictionary of the Holy Bible, published by al-Maṭbaʻah al-Amrīkānīyah, remains a notable entry in his academic bibliography.
Fast facts
- Born: 1838, New York City
- Died: 30 September 1909, Beirut
- Education: City College of New York
- Employers: American University of Beirut
- Botanical Author Abbreviation: Post
- Notable Membership: Torrey Botanical Society
- Burial Site: Anglo-American Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What is the primary significance of Post's botanical work?
He authored the 1896 Flora of Syria, Palestine and Sinai, formally described over 200 plant taxa, and is honored by the genus Postiella.
Where did George Edward Post spend his professional life?
Following his 1860 work as a missionary doctor, he served as a professor of surgery at the American University of Beirut until his death in 1909.
Achievements
- Notable work: Arabic bible dictionary (al-Maṭbaʻah al-Amrīkānīyah)
- Held posts at American University of Beirut
