Introduction

Abstract

In 1873, the King of Persia, Naser-ed-Din Shah Qajar (1831–1896), published a Safarnama, or travelogue, about his state tour of Europe.¹ During the London leg of his journey, he writes:

To-day, before seeing the Ministers and others, the English Fire Brigade came, and in the garden at the back of our palace went through their exercise. They planted ladders, with the supposition that the upper floor of the palace was on fire; they mounted these ladders with perfect celerity and agility, and brought down people who were burnt, half-burnt, or unharmed, some taken up on their shoulders, and others let down by ropes made fast round their waists. They have invented a beautiful means of saving men. But, the wonder is in this, that on the one hand, they take such trouble and originate such appliances for the salvation of man from death, when, on the other hand, in the armouries, arsenals, and workshops of Woolwich, and of Krupp in Germany, they contrive fresh engines, such as cannons, muskets, projectiles, and similar things, for the quicker and more multitudinous slaughter of the human race. He whose invention destroys man more surely and expeditiously prides himself thereon, and obtains decorations of honour. (Redhouse, 1873: 190–1)