Definition
Cornelis Schrevel (1608 – 1664) was a Dutch physician, classical scholar, and lexicographer best known for his Latin–Greek and Greek–Latin dictionaries, which were widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Overview
Born in Haarlem in the Dutch Republic, Schrevel pursued medical studies at the University of Leiden, where he later obtained a professorship in medicine. In addition to his medical career, he devoted considerable effort to the study of classical languages. His most influential works are Lexicon Graeco-Latinum (first published in 1664) and Lexicon Latino-Graecum, both of which compiled extensive vocabularies drawn from ancient Greek and Latin literature. These dictionaries became standard reference tools for scholars, students, and translators throughout Europe, undergoing numerous re‑editions and translations into other languages. Schrevel’s lexicographical methodology emphasized concise definitions and cross‑references, contributing to the development of modern classical dictionaries.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Schrevel” is of Dutch origin, likely derived from a regional or occupational name. The given name “Cornelis” is the Dutch form of “Cornelius,” a Roman family name meaning “horn” (from cornu). Together, the name identifies him as a Dutch individual named Cornelis from the Schrevel family.
Characteristics
- Professional Roles: Physician, professor of medicine, classical scholar, lexicographer.
- Major Works:
- Lexicon Graeco-Latinum (1664) – a Greek‑to‑Latin dictionary.
- Lexicon Latino-Graecum – a Latin‑to‑Greek dictionary, published in several editions.
- Methodology: Emphasis on systematic arrangement of entries, inclusion of literary citations, and cross‑referencing between Greek and Latin entries.
- Impact: His dictionaries were adopted as textbooks in universities across the Dutch Republic, England, France, and Germany, influencing later lexicographers such as John Jones and James Hall.
- Legacy: The term “Schrevelian” is occasionally used to describe the concise, citation‑rich style characteristic of his dictionaries.
Related Topics
- Classical lexicography
- 17th‑century Dutch scholarship
- University of Leiden (faculty of medicine)
- Latin–Greek and Greek–Latin dictionaries
- Contemporary lexicographers: Johannes de Bure, Thomas Blount, John Jones.