VI. Remarks on a Mixed Species of Evidence in Matters 

 of History : With an Examination of a new Histo- 

 rical Hypothesis, in the Memoires pour la Vie de 

 Petrarque, by the Abbe de Sade. By Alexander 

 Fraser TtTler, Esck F. R. S. Ed in. Judge- Advocate of 

 North Britain. 



[Read by Mr FLAYFAIR> Augujl 21. 1797.} 



IN matters of hiftorical refearch, there is a kind of circum- 

 ftantial evidence which arifes from the combination of 

 known or authenticated facts, with critical argument on the 

 import of doubtful paiTages of authors, which the reafoner en- 

 deavours to interpret, by bringing together, comparing, and 

 making the one illuftrate the other ; fo as to draw from the 

 whole a degree of pofitive and certain information, which thofe 

 authenticated fadts are not of themfelves fufficient to convey, 

 and which thofe pafTages, taken feparately, are incapable of fur- 

 niihing. This complex fpecies of evidence, it muft be. owned, 

 is, with refpecT: to its power of conviction, much inferior to that 

 which arifes from, the ordinary proofs on which authentic hifto- 

 ry depends ; for example, the teftimony of actual witnefles to 

 t}ie facls related ; or the pofitive ii 

 Fart. II. Q : 



lformation of authors, derived 



Fart. II. Qjs from 



