ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL CONCEPTIONS 19 



sent to the Tartars in 1253. 'I have diligently read his 

 book and talked with its author, and likewise with many 

 others who have travelled in places East and South." 

 This is the beginning of a new chapter in our story. Geo- 

 graphical knowledge is once more to be founded, not on 

 the study of ancient writings, but on modern travel, 

 interpreted by modern science. 



