Robert Sinker

“ Keith-Falconer acted as university examiner in 1883 and 1884. He was, however, becoming engrossed with the idea of mission-work in a field where his knowledge of Arabic might be directly utilised; and early in 1885 he was led on reading a paper by Major-general Haig, R.E., to fix upon Aden as presenting many advantages for communication with the interior of Africa. He made a preliminary visit of four months at the end of 1885 to test the climate, and acquired some medical knowledge with a view to founding a hospital, which formed part of his scheme. ”

“ He spent the winter of 1881–2 at Assiout on the Nile, gaining familiarity with modern spoken Arabic. From his undergraduate days Keith-Falconer was an enthusiastic bicyclist. He was elected vice-president of the Cambridge University Bicycle Club before he commenced residence (June 1874) , and was president of the London Bicycle Club from May 1877 until he left England. His bicycling successes, from 1874 to 1882, were very numerous. ”

“ Wright in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, of the ‘Kalilah and Dimnah,’ otherwise known as the ‘Fables of Bidpai.’ This was published early in 1885, with a long introduction on the literary history of the document, and the bibliography of the versions. ”