25] METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 25 



Only the first of these conditions presented a real prob- 

 lem. In its solution the method used by Odin was followed 

 exactly. A statement of this method is therefore necessary 

 at this point. Says Odin : 



The importance of a book necessarily corresponds ... to the 

 success of the work. Consequently we must include in our list 

 all men of letters whose success with the public is beyond 

 question, and who are assured of not falling into oblivion by 

 this very success. The only question is to know what is the 

 most authentic criterion of success. We possess a criterion 

 for men of letters which is relatively easy to ascertain, and 

 whose value cannot be contested. It is simply the diffusion 

 of their works.^ 



This diffusion has two aspects, that of time and that of 

 degree. Some authors enjoy very great popularity for a 

 short period, but soon sink into comparative obscurity. 

 Others enjoy a more modest but lasting popularity. Public 

 esteem may be greater or less in degree. In time it may be 

 more or less enduring. Whatever its extent in either re- 

 spect, the facts are always readily determinable. Hence the 

 appreciation of the relative importance of men of letters 

 usually presents little difficulty. As a result of the method 

 employed the slightest good faith on the part of a student 

 suffices for the attainment of a high degree of objectivity. 

 An investigator almost never has to estimate the success 

 of a work. If his sources are at all abundant, as they have 

 to be in a study of this kind, they answer the question them- 

 selves.^ 



Odin states in detail the exact standards by which he 

 measured the importance of men of letters as follows : 



1 A. Odin, op. cit,, p. z^2. 



2 Ihid., p. z^iZ- 



