lineal descent, through one or more generations; such a transmission of the knowledge of a fact, or series of facts, is called tradition; and the witnesses who transmit it, are called traditional witnesses.

28. Concerning tradition, the following criterion must be used: "No tradition is to be received as a good authority of the existence of a fact, or series of facts, which has once been interrupted.

29. Because in this case, the information cannot be traced to its original source; which it is necessary to do, before a fact can be admitted. Hence,

30. RULE. In regard to traditional witnesses; beside using the rules before given, under the second particular criterion, inquire if the series of traditional witnesses has ever been interrupted. If so, the facts related cannot be admitted, unless supported by other external documents of contemporaneous science or art.

31. We shall close this part of the criterions

(28.) What is the criterion for traditions? (29.) Assign a reason for that criterion. (30.) What rule must, then, be followed, in judging of the authority of traditional witnesses?

(31.) Beside the foregoing criterions and rules, for the guidance of the historian, is there any other more general principle, and rule?

for the historian, with one general principle and rule, which should be invariably observed.

"A

32. GENERAL PRINCIPLE." A historian, who does not assume, or presume infallibility, must not suppose that the belief of posterity, in regard to the facts related by him, is to be based upon his authority alone; but principally, on the evidence found and discussed by him, in support of those facts." The historian must bear in mind, that he is like a committee, appointed to inquire and report about the existence of a certain fact; and that, it belongs to the public to examine and receive the report of the historian, according to the evidence submitted by him. Hence,

33. GENERAL RULE.-Either at the commencement or end, or in the course of his narrative, the historian must indicate, by appropriate notes, the sources from which he has derived his information; making, if necessary, proper comments on the same.

34. When the historian has carefully collected, and tried by rigid criticism, all the facts of his history; he will divide them in a suitable or

(32.) Mention the general principle.

To what is a historian like?

(33.) Give, now, the general rule, concerning historical docu

ments.

(34.) What must a historian do, when he has collected, and thoroughly investigated, all the facts?

der, according to the directions before given; and, finally, he will relate them in a clear and terse style.

PART II.

CRITERIONS FOR THE READER OF HISTORY.

1. History being of so great importance to human society, as we have above stated; we deem it proper to offer here a few criterions for the guidance of the reader.

2. FIRST CRITERION." Before admitting a history, ascertain first its immediate authority, namely, who is the writer."

In order that a writer of history may constitute a good authority, two qualities are indispensable in him; competency and veracity.

4. The competency of a writer is ascertained by using Rule 2, under No. 23, in the same manner as for witnesses.

5.

His veracity is found by Rules 4th and 5th, under Nos. 25 and 26, in the same part.

(2.) What is the first criterion, for the reader of history?
(3.) What qualities are indispensable in a historian?
(4.) How is the competency of a historian ascertained?
(5.) How is his veracity ascertained?

6. SECOND CRITERION." Before receiving a history, ascertain secondly, its evidence, both with respect to the possibility of the facts related; and with respect to the documents offered by the historian, in proof of these facts.”

7. Hence, First, if the facts show a metaphysical impossibility, they must be rejected, according to Rule 2, No. 9, Part 1.

8. Second, if the facts show a physical impossibility, and yet are supported by the authority of the writer, and the evidence of documents, then Rule 3, No. 14, Part 1, must be applied.

9. Third, the evidence of the documents offered by the historian, in support of his narration, is tested by referring to the sources from which he quotes, and derives his information.

10. It may happen that a certain history has never been edited; or only by few; and among a certain class of people; and a long time ago; in

(6.) What is the second criterion for the reader of history? (7.) What must the reader of history do, when the facts related show absolute impossibility?

(8.) What must he do, when the facts show physical impossibility?

(9.) How may the evidence adduced by the historian, be

tested?

(10.) What is the criterion for inedited or private histories?

this case, to the two preceding, is to be added

the following:

THIRD CRITERION.-" Before receiving said history, ascertain its purity and integrity.

11. Purity of history means, that the sense of the original has not been substantially altered.

12. Integrity of history means, that nothing has been added to, or detracted from the original; but that it has been kept whole and entire.

13. The purity and integrity of a history is ascertained, by inquiring whether those who had it in their possession were capable of altering or mutilating it; whether they had any motive. for so doing; and whether they could escape detection.

SECTION II.

CRITERIONS OF CRITICISM CONCERNING COMPENDIUMS OR COPIES OF ORIGINAL HISTORIES.

1. A compendium, as well as a copy of history, "is the repetition of an original history, in a different form, by the same, or a different author."

(11.) What does purity of history mean?

(12.) What does integrity of history signify?

(13.) How is purity and integrity of history ascertained? (1.) What is a compendium, or copy, of history?