1974–1975: J. S. Last monograph (“The Ancient Water supply…”)

LAST

THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08540

September 28, 1973Dr George W. Corner American Philosophical Society 104 South Fifth Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19106

Dear Dr Corner:

I have read with very great interest the MS by the late Joseph S. Last on the water supply of ancient Kourion.

To the non-specialist these ancient installations may seem paltry and ramshackle; he may be put off also by the great gaps in the story, by the lack of precision in the dating, by the uncertainty as to how the water was employed in the public buildings, etc. But anyone who has had to concern himself with the question of water supply in the ancient Mediterranean world will certainly regard Last's work as a rare and welcome contribution. Apart from Rome itself there are very few ancient cities in which the water supply has been as carefully studied as here. In principle, then, I believe the article is well worth publishing.

The MS appears to be in good shape. I would raise only a few points of detail. Spelling of Kourion. On the maps the Greek form, Kourion, is used; but in the text one occasionally finds the Latin form, Curium. I would recommend that the Greek form be used throughout. Kliouphas line. In the text (p. 10) the author, after considering the evidence, concludes that there was probably no connection between the main line of the West Conduit and the short Kliouphas line. On the map, however, the Kliouphas line is shown as flowing into the main line. Perhaps a gap could be shown on the map. Date of lamp (p. 31). Since the lamp is so important for the dating of the various periods of the West Conduit it is regrettable that its own date has not been established with more precision. Would it not be possible for Roger Edwards to study the lamp and insert a supplementary note?

Yours sincerely,

Homer A. Thompson

Handwritten: Homer A. Thompson

Handwritten: P.S. I am relaying the drawings and slides as well; they will be mailed in a separate package.