Alexander Macbain

Outlines of Gaelic Etymology Alexander Macbain

Alexander Macbain was born July 22, 1855 in Scotland into poverty. His native language was Gaelic, but he attended local schools and learned English. He assisted with the Ordnance Survey in Scotland and Wales from 1871-74, but he enjoyed school and returned to earn an MA in Philosophy from King's College. He was deeply devoted to all things history and language, and published a great deal on Gaelic language, and even served as the editor for Celtic Magazine, and then Highland Monthly. Some of his publications include: Celtic Burial, in Transactions of the Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club, Celtic Mythology and Religion and Personal Names and Surnames of Inverness. This edition is dedicated to Robert Cooper, librarian and archivist extraordinary of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Scotland.