PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 247 



are affixed to the fronts of houses, on the death of their proprietor, 

 to denote his rank and condition. On the death of a husband, for 

 example, that side of the lozenge which is appropriated to his dis- 

 tinctive arms, is painted black, while the wife's side remains white. 

 The above, we trust, will suffice to give a general idea of the princi- 

 ples of Heraldry. 



The term Autographies, may be applied to the study of the hand- 

 writing of individuals, with a view to its recognition. The signa- 

 ture of any person is commonly called his autograph; but this 

 name is also applied to manuscripts of whatever length, when they 

 are in the handwriting of their author. Extensive collections of 

 autographs have been made; which, in identifying manuscripts, or 

 signatures, are of historical, as well as biographical importance. Of 

 similar use is the study of Sphragistics, or the examination of seals, 

 with their devices and inscriptions. This study has been termed a 

 branch of Diplomatics ; as serving to authenticate treaties, and other 

 documents : but we think it also especially subsidiary to Biography. 

 Seals, are of various shapes, though usually in that of a shield, 

 whether cardiform or oval; and they were formerly impressed on 

 gold, silver, lead, or common wax, until the introduction of sealing 

 wax, in the sixteenth century. Originally, none but persons of 

 rank, or churches, or corporations, and states, had a right to use 

 seals ; and the color of the wax indicated their relative dignity. The 

 earliest regular work on Sphragistics, was that of ffeineccius, on 

 seals, published in 1709. 



In comparing distinguished individuals with each other, it seems 

 most natural and proper to institute the comparison between those of 

 similar characters, or pursuits. Thus, we may naturally compare 

 Caesar and Bonaparte ; or Des Cartes and La Place : but a compari- 

 son between Alexander and Aristotle, or between Newton and 

 Shakspeare, would be futile, if not absurd. In such cases, it is 

 enough to know that each was preeminent, in his own sphere. This 

 principle will be our guide, in the subordinate arrangement of this 

 department ; in which the only philosophical method that occurs to 

 us, is to group together individuals of the same country, and of simi- 

 lar pursuits; as statesmen, warriors, divines, and other classes of 

 men. The subject of Biography is of course inexhaustible ; so that even 

 the largest works are found to commemorate but an extremely small 

 portion of our race ; and this in reference only to their most promi- 

 nent actions and traits of character. We have thought that the small 

 space here allotted, would be best devoted to a systematic arrange- 

 ment of the most prominent names ; preparatory to the perusal of 

 extensive and miscellaneous Biographical works. 



We proceed therefore to treat of the present department, in geo- 

 graphical, and ethnographical order, under the four branches of 

 Euclassic, Oriental, European, and American Biography. 



