xx THE EARTH BEFORE HISTORY 



that reason, there is abundance of encouragement for those who 

 cultivate these fields. On the other hand, because of its over- 

 erudite and insufficiently scientific character, history as presented 

 by learned historians has become an arid speciality, in which the 

 public manifests no interest — accepting in their place anecdotal 

 and romantic works put together by clever popularizers in the guise 

 of true history. 



Thanks to the eminent collaborators who have co-operated in 

 this undertaking, things may perhaps be changed for the better. 

 Our programme is vast and our ambition must appear to 

 many over-sanguine. But we must take the risk. It is obvious 

 that a desire for action, a confidence in the spontaneous forces 

 of life have been revived amongst us. There would be a dis- 

 quieting side to this if, as some tell us, it has taken an anti- 

 intellectualistic turn. It is essential that this need for action, 

 this revival, should also manifest itself in intellectual courage. 

 Life expands with knowledge. And an historic science under- 

 stood in a living manner — the consciousness of humanity springing 

 from reflection is necessary to direct the tumultuous powers of 

 instinct. 



Henri Berr. 



