HISTORY AND ETHNOLOGY. 



81 Plates : III. 1—39, and IV. 1—42. 



General Introduction to History. 



History, in general, is a credible narration of remarkable events, occurring 

 within the sphere of man. Historiology, or historic lore, is the personal 

 apprehension or knowledge of these events ; or, more comprehensively, it is 

 a clear perception of the authentic and distinguished transactions of 

 humanity, in their proper connexions and dependences. 



Nothing but positive, actual occurrences may constitute the contents or 

 material of history. Their form is narration ; and history can claim for 

 itself a just and reliable basis, only as it relates what is absolutely truthful. 

 Hence two elements must enter into all genuine history : veritable facts as 

 a foundation, and unyielding fidelity in their communication. Historical 

 verity depends upon the correctness of the evidence supporting the facts, 

 for we cannot become cognisant of past occurrences by intuition, much 

 less by personal observation ('AuTo^-ja), and we dare not manufacture them to 

 suit our purpose ; historical fidelity rests upon the honest presentation of 

 the facts. It must be obvious, therefore, that a writer of history ought to 

 possess the highest intellectual and moral qualifications, and if either of 

 these be wanting, his production will be defective. Pragmatic history 

 exhibits clearly the causes and consequences of events. The practical 

 results arising from a general review of the facts, and especially of the 

 nature and efficient cause of events, make up the philosophy of history. 

 By historical inquiry or investigation is meant the collection of materials 

 for the work. Method (Historiomathy) arranges these in accordance w^ith 

 some ascertained plan ; and the writing of history (Historiography) means, 

 of course, giving form and style to the materials. 



The sources of very ancient history are fables, legends, traditions, myths, and 

 popular songs ; grottoes, sepulchres, altars, pillars, mounds, monuments, &c. ; 

 festivals, games, and public structures erected in commemoration of some 

 event. Of later history the materials are more abundant. In addition to 

 public buildings, monuments, pillars, and graves, w^e consult inscriptions, 

 triumphal arches, coins, medals, genealogical tables, the science of heraldry, 

 public archives, diplomatic papers and correspondence, codes of law, annals, 

 memoirs, chronicles, journals, magazines, and newspapers. 



History presents great variety in its subject matter, and in this view it is 



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