'^ _ > ^. •>, -T^ ' %^' ^'^'^ %^':' "■^■'' %^ :f^ - ' 'Z ^ *— -Z^ ~ oH IT. ^ x^^. /: <^ -^ X^^ ■ ^ 7 o , ^. r \ . ^ J, ^ 'V c- % .•^"" ^ •U V #fr ^^ .kV A- .-P- i> « "^ ,v- -% ir- -^^ -> <:. ^ ■^'^ \ I ^• ^ \ <- ^ ^ X' ^ '^ ^rx. ' '/ ^ ^v *- ■ ■' -^ ^^, ■<. •;P^ -b c^^ "^ \ .^^ ^c 9-' *. '» '^^' .0' .0 0. ^ V xO^., .^ ^^A v^' •CI- - 7 o /r "oo'< ^^~^ ^*. > ,0 0^ ,. ^ * « /• c „ ^'-= ^^^ (i' •Sa ^/. * 8. \-^ X^ S-* ; I ° ^- f ' Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/methodsofhistoriOOadam I -II METHODS OF HISTORICAL STUDY "Das "Wesen der historischen llethode ist forschcnd zu verstehen. — Droysen." "The way to that which is general is through that which is special." — Yager. "It is a favorite maxim of mine that history, while it should be scientific in its method, Bhould pursue a practical object." — Seeley. "Das was heute Politik ist, gehort morgen der Geschichte an."— Z>royscn. " Learn the Past and you will know the Future." — Confucius, "C'est une vOrite banale que I'etude de I'histoire est indispensable aux peuples libres, appeles i, se gouverner eux-m6mes. La connaissance du pass6 fait seule bien comprendre le present et aide 5 6viter les ecucils sur lesquels nos aneOtres ont fait naufrage. En relevant I'enseignemeut supCricur de I'histoire, on ne rendrait pas seulement service d la science, mais aussi S la patrie." — Paul Frtdericq. "Scieniiapro Pa/ria."— Motto of the Socieli Hislorique et Cercle Saini-Simon, Paris. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN Historical and Political Science HERBERT B. ADAMS, Editor History is past Politics and Politics present History — Freeman SECOND SERIES I -II METHODS OF HISTORICAL STUDY By HERBERT B. MADAMS, Ph. D. BALTIMORE N. Murray, Publication Agent, Johns Hopkins University January and February, 1884 JOHN MURPHT & CO., PRIKTERS, BALTIMORE. I. Special Methods of Historical Study' AS PUESUED AT THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY AND AT SMITH COLLEGE. The main principle of historical training at the Johns Hopkins University is to encourage independent thought and research. Little heed is given to text-books, or the mere phraseology of history, but all stress is laid upon clear and original statements of fact and opinion, whether the student's own or the opinion of a consulted author. The comparative method of reading and study is followed by means of assign- ing to individual members of the class separate topics, with references to various standard works. These topics are duly reported upon by the appointees, either ex tempore, with the aid of a few notes, or in formal papers, which are discussed ^ This article contains extracts from a paper on " History : Its Place in American Colleges," originally contributed in October, 1879, to The Alumnus, a literary and educational quarterly then published in Philadelphia, but now suspended and entirely out of print. A few extracts have also been made from an article on " Co-operation in University work," in the second number of The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science. But the body of the article is new, and was written at the request of Dr. G. Stanley Hall, as a contribution to the "Methods of History," Vol. I. of the Pedagogical Library, Boston : Ginn, Heath & Co., 1883. By the kind permission of the publishers, the chapter is here reproduced in connection with a paper on " New Methods of Study in Plistory," which is now for the first time printed, but which is the natural outgrovrth of the original paper and, like that, suggested by Dr. G. Stanley Hall, for ped;i- gogical purposes. 5 6 Special Methods of Historical Study, at length by the class. The oral method has been found to afford a better opportunity than essays for question and dis- cussion, and it is in itself a good means of individual training, for the student thereby learns to think more of substance than of form. Where essays are written, more time is usually expended on style than on the acquisition of facts. If the student has a well-arranged brief, like a lawyer's, and a head full of ideas, he will express himself at least intelligibly, and clearness and elegance will come with sufficient practice. The ex tempore method, with a good brief or abstract (which may be dictated to the class) is one of the best methods for the teacher as well as for the student. The idea should be, in both cases, to personify historical science in the individual who is speaking upon a given topic. A book or an essay, however symmetrical it may be, is often only a fossil, a life- less thing ; but a student or teacher talking from a clear head is a fountain of living science. A class of bright minds quickly discern the difference between a phrase-maker and a man of ideas. As an illustration of the kind of subjects in mediaeval his- tory studied in 1878, independently of any text-book, by a class of undergraduates, from eighteen to twenty-two years of age, the following list of essay -topics is appended : — 1. Influence of Roman Law during the middle ages. (Savigny, Sir Henry Maine, Giiizot, Hadley). 2. Tlie kingdom of Theodoric, the East Goth. (Milman, Gibbon, Free- man). 3. The conversion of Germany. (^lerivale, Milman, Trench). 4. Tlie conversion of England. (Bede, Milman, Freeman, ^lontalembert, Trench). 5. The civilizing influence of the Benedictine Monks. (Montalembert, Gibbon, Milman). 6. Cloister and cathedral schools. (Einhard, Guizot, Mullinger), 7. The origin and character of medij^val universities. (Green, History of England ; Lacroix ; various university histories). 8. Modes of legal procedure among the early Teutons. (AVaitz, J. L. Laughlin, Lea). 9. Report of studies in "Anglo-Saxon Law." (Hem^y Adams, et cd). I special Methods of Historical Study. 7 10. Origin of Feudalism. Feudal rights, aids, and incidents. (Guizot, Hallam, Stubbs, Digby, Maine, Waitz, Eoth). 11. Evils of Feudalism. (Authorities as above). 12. Benefits of Feudalism. (As above). 13. The Saxon Witenagemot and its historical relation to the House of Lords. (Freeman, Stubbs, Hallam, Guizot). 14. Origin of the House of Commons. (Pauli, Creighton, and authorities above stated). 15. Origin of Communal Liberty. (Hegel, Stiidteverfassung von Italien ; Testa, Communes of Lombardv ; Wauters, Les libertes communales ; Stubbs, Freeman, Guizot, et al). At Smith College, an institution founded at IN'orthampton, Massachusetts, by a generous woman, in the interest of the higher education of her sex, the study of history was pursued by four classes in regular gradation, somewhat after the col- lege model. The First, corresponding to the " Freshman ^' class, studied oriental or ante-classic history, embracing the Stone Age, Egypt, Palestine, Phoenicia, the empires of Meso- potamia and ancient India. This course was pursued in 1879 by dictations and ex tempore lectures on the part of the teacher, and by independent reading on the part of the pupils. The first thing done by the teacher in the introduction to the history of any of the above-mentioned countries, was to explain the sources from which the history of that country was derived, and then to characterize briefly the principal literary works relating to it, not omitting historical novels, like Ebers' ^' Egyptian Princess," or " Uarda." Afterwards, the salient features, in Egyptian history, for example, were presented by the instructor, under distinct heads, such as geography, reli- gion, art, literature, and chronology. Map-drawing by and before the class was insisted upon ; and, in connection with the foregoing subjects, books or portions of books were recom- mended for private reading. For instance, on the " Geog- raphy of Egypt," fifty pages of Herodotus were assigned in Rawlinson's translation. This, and other reading, was done in the so-called "Reference Library," which was provided with all the books that were recommended. An oral account 8 Special Methods of Histoi^ical Study. of such reading was sooner or later demanded from each pupil by the instructor, and fresh points of information were thus continually brought out. The amount of positive fact acquired by a class of seventy-five bright young women bringing together into one focus so many individual rays of knowledge, collected from the best authorities, is likely to burn to ashes the dry bones of any text-book, and to keep the instructor at a white heat. As an illustration of the amount of reading done in one term of ten weeks by this class of beginners in history, the following fair specimen of the lists handed in at the end of the academic year of 1879 is appended. The readmg was of course by topics : — EGYPT. Unity of History (Freeman). Geography (Herodotus). Gods of Egypt (J. Freeman Clarke). Manners and Customs (Wilkinson). Upper Egypt (Klunzinger). Art of Egypt (Liibke). Hypatia (Kingsley). Egyptian Princess (Ebers). « PALESTI^^:. Sinai and Palestine, 40 pages (Stanley). History of the Jews (extracts from Josephus). The Beginnings of Christianity, Chap. Vll. (Fisher), lleligion of the Hebrews (J. Freeman Clarke). PHOENICIA, ASSYRIA, ETC. Phoenicia, 50 pages (Kenrick). Assyrian Discoveries (George Smith). Chaldean Account of Genesis (George Smith). Assyrian Architecture (Fcrgusson). Art of Central Asia (Liibke). In tlio Second, or ^SSophomorc " class, classic history was pui'sued by means of the History Primers of Greece and Special Methods of Historical Study. 9 Eome^ supplemented bv lectures and dictations, as the time would allow. The Junior class studied mediaeval history in much the same way, by text-books (the Epoch Series) and by lectures. Both classes did excellent Avork of its kind, but it was not the best kind ; for little or no stimulus was given to original research. And yet, perhaps, to an outsider, fond of old-fashioned methods of recitation, these classes would have appeared better than the First class. They did harder work, but it was less spontaneous and less scientific. The fault was a fault of method. With the Senior class the method described as in use at the Johns Hopkins University was tried with marked success. With text-books on modern history as a guide for the whole class, the plan was followed out of assigning to individuals subjects with references for private reading and for an oral report of about fifteen minutes^ length. The class took notes on these reports or informal student-lectures as faithfully as on the extended remarks and more formal lectures of the instructor. This system of making a class lecture to itself is, of course, very unequal in its immediate results, and some- times unsatisfactory ; but, as a system of individual training for advanced pupils, it is valuable as a means both of culture and of discipline. Contrast the good to the individual student of any amount of mere text-book memorizing or idle note- taking Avith the positive culture and wide acquaintance with books, derived in ten iveehs from such a rano^e of reading as is indicated in the following bond fide report, by one member of the Senior class (1879), who afterwards was a special student of history for two years in the " Annex '' at Harvard College, and who in 1881 returned to Smith Colleo^e for her decree of Ph. D. First are given the subjects assigned to this young woman for research, and the reading done by her in prepara- tion for report to the class ; and then is given the list of her general reading in connection Avith the class work of the term. Other members of the class had other subjects and similar reports : — 2 10 special Metliods of Historical Study. I. — SUBJECTS FOR RESEARCH. 1. Anfielm and JRo.^ceUinus. ^lilman's Latin Christianity, Vol. IV., pp. 190-225. Ueberweg's History of Philosophy, Vol. I., pp. 271-385. 2. Platonic Academy at Florence. Koscoe's Life of Lorenzo di Medici, Vol. I., p. 30 ct seq. Burckhardt's Renaissance, Vol. I. Villari's Machiavelli, Vol. I., p. 205 et seq. 3. Colet. Seebohm's Oxford Reformers. 4. Ccdvin. Fisher's History of the Reformation (Calvin). Spalding's History of the Reformation (Calvin). D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation, \o\. I., book 2, chap. 7. 5. Frederick the Great. Macaulay's Essay on Frederick the Great. Lowell's Essay on Frederick the Great. Ency. Brit. Article on Frederick the Great. ^Icnzcl's History of Crermany (Frederick the Great). Carlyle's Frederick the Great (parts of Vols. I., IL, III.). 6. Randta of the French. Revolution. French Revolution (Epoch Series). II. — GENERAL READING. Roscoe's Life of Leo X. (one-half of Vol. I.). Mrs. Oliphant's Makers of Florence (on cathedral builders, Savonarola, a Private Citizx'n, Michel Angelo). Symonds's Renaissance (Savonarola). "Walter Pater's Renaissance (Leonardo da Vinci). Hallam's Middle Ages (on Italian Rejniblics). Benvenuto Cellini's Autobiogra])hy (about one-lialf). Burckhardt's Renaissance (nearly all). Vasari's Lives of the Painters (da Vinci, Alberti). Lowell's Essay on Dante. Carlyle's Essay on Dante. Trench's Mcdiii'val Church History (Great Councils of the West, IIuss and Bohemia, Eve of the Reformation). Fisher's History of the Reformation (Luther). "White's Eighteen Christian Centuries (l(ith). Macaulay's Essjiy on Ranke's History of the Popes. Ix'cky's Eurofjean Morals (last cliaptcr). Seeliohm's ICra of the Protestant Kcvolution. Fronde's Short Studies on Great Subjects (studies on the times of Eras- mus and Luther, the Dissolution of the Monasteries). Si)alding's History of the Reformation ((•hai)ter on J^uther). Special Methods of Historkcil Study. 11 Carlyle's Essay on Luther and Knox. Hosmer's German Literature (chapters on Luther, Thirty Years' War, Minnesingers and Mastersingers). Gardiner's Thirty Years' War. Morris's Age of Anne. George Eliot's Eomola (about one-half.) Hawthorne's Marble Faun (parts). It is but fair to say in reference to this vast amount of reading, that it represents the chief work done by the above- mentioned young lady during the summer term, for her class exercises were mainly lectures requiring little outside study. The list will serve not merely as an illustration of Senior work in history at Smith College, but also as an excellent guide for a course of private reading on the Renaissance and Reformation. ]^o more interesting or profitable course can be followed than a study of the Beginnings of Modern History. With Symonds's works on the '^ Renaissance in Italy," Burck- hardt's " Civilization of the Period of the Renaissance " (English translation), and Seebohm's " Era of the Protestant Revolution " (Epoch series) for guide-books, a college instruc- tor can indicate to his pupils lines of special investigation more grateful than text-book " cramming,'^ more inspiring than lectures or dictations. The latter, though good to a certain extent, become deadening to a class when its members are no lono-er stimulated to oris^inal research, but sink back in passive reliance upon the authority of the lecturer. That method of teaching history which converts bright young pupils into note-taking machines is a bad method. It is the construction of a poor text-book at the expense of much val- uable time and youthful energy. Goethe satirized this, the fault of German academic instruction, in Mephistopheles' counsfel to the student, who is advised to study well his notes, in order to see that the professor says nothing which he hasn't said alreadv : — Damit ihr nachher besser seht, Dass er niclits sagt, als was im Buche steht ; Doch euch des Schreibens ja befleisst, Als dictirt' euch der Heilig' Geist ! 12 Special JIdhods of Historical Study. The simple-minded student assents to this counsel, and says it is a great comfort to have everything in black and white, so that he can carry it all home. But no scrap-book of facts can give Avisdom, any more than a tank of water can form a running spring. It is, perhaps, of as much consequence to teach a young person how to study history as to teach him historv itself. The above notes were written in the summer of 1879, and were published in October of that year, after the author's return to Baltimore. Subsequent experience at Smith College, in the spring terms of 1880 and 1881, when the lecturer's four years' partial connection with Smith College terminated, showed the necessity of a reference library for each class, the resources of the main collection in the reading-room having proved inadequate to the growing historical needs of the college. Instead of buying text-books, the members of each class, with the money which text-books would have cost, formed a library fund, frojn which a book committee pur- chased such standard works (often with duplicate copies) as the lecturer recommended. The class libraries were kept in places generally accessible ; for example, in the front halls of the " cottage " dormitories. Each class had its own system of rules for library administration. Books that were in greatest demand could be kept out only one or two days. The amount of reading by special topics accomplished in this way in a single term was really most remarkable. Note- books with abstracts of daily work were kept, and finally handed in as a part of the term's examination. Oral exami- nations ui)on reading, pursued in connection with the lectures, were maintained throughout the term, and, at the close, a written examination upon the lectures and other required topics, togetlicr with a certain range of optional subjects, fairly tested the results of this voluntary method of his- torical study. The amount of knowledge acquired in this Special Methods of Historical Study. 13 wav would as much surpass the substance of any system of lectures or any mere text-book acquisitions as a class library of standard historians surpasses an individual teacher or any historical manual. This method of study is practicable in any high-school class of moderate size. If classes are gen- erous, they will leave their libraries to successors, who can thus build up a collection for historical reference within the school itself, which will thus become a seminary of living science. A development of the above idea of special libraries may be seen in the foundation, at the Johns Hopkins Univer- sity, in 1881-2, of a special library for the study of American Institutional History by college graduates. There was nothing really new about the idea except its application. German universities have their seminarium libraries distinct from the main university library, although often in the same building. In Baltimore, the special library was established in the lecture- room where the class meets. The design of the collection was to gather within easy reach the chief authorities used in class work and in such original investigations as were then in progress. The special aim, however, was to bring together the statutory law and colonial archives of the older States of the Union, together with the journals of Congress, American State papers, and the writings and lives of American states- men. The statutes of England and 23arliamentary reports on subjects of particular interest were next secured. Then fol- lowed, in December, 1882, the acquisition of the Bluntschli Library of three thousand volumes, with many rare pamphlets and Bluntschli's manuscripts, including his notes taken under Niebuhr the historian, and under Savigny the jurist. This library of the lamented Dr. Bluntschli, professor of constitu- tional and international law in Heidelberg, was presented to the Johns Hopkins University by German citizens of Balti- more ; and it represents, not only in its transfer to America, but in its very constitution, the internationality of modern science. Here is a library, which, under the care of a great 14 Special JIdhods of Historical Stitdi/. . master, developed from the narroAv chronicles of a Swiss town and canton into a library of cosmopolitan character, embracing many nations in its scope. Into this inheritance the Seminary Library of American Institutional History has now entered. Although the special work of the Seminary will still be directed toward American themes, yet it will be from the vantage-ground of the Bluntschli Library, and Avith the knowledge that this great collection was the outgrowth of communal studies similar to those now in progress in Balti- more. xi word may be added in this connection touching the nature of graduate-work in history at the Johns Hopkins University. A\ hat was said in the early part of this article applied only to undergraduates, who develop into the very best class of grad- uate students now present at the University. The idea of a co-operative study of American local institutions, by graduate students representing different sections of country, evolved very naturally from the Baltimore environment. Germinant interest in the subject originated in a study of New England towns, in a spring sojourn for four years at Smith College, Northampton, Mass., and in summer ♦tours along the New England coast ; but the development of this interest was made possible by associations in Baltimore with men from the South and the A^^est, who were able and willing to describe the insti- tutions of their own States for purposes of comparison with the institutions of other States. Thus it has come a!)out that the l)arishcs, districts, and counties of Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas are placed historically side by side with the t(»\viishi[)s of the West and the towns and ])arishes of New England; so that, by and by, all men will see how much these ditierent sections have in common. There is a great variety of subjects pertaining to American local life in its rural and municipal manifestations. Not only tlic history of local government, but the history of schools, churclies, charities, manufactures, industries, prices, economics, municipal protection, municipal reforms, local taxation, reprc- Special IfetJiods of Historical Study. 15 sentation, administration, poor laws, liquor laws, labor laws, and a thousand and one chapters of legal and social history are yet to be written in every State. Johns Hopkins students have selected only a few topics like towns, parishes, manors, certain state systems of free schools, a few phases of city government, a few French and Indian villages in the JSTorth- west, certain territorial institutions, Canadian feudalism, the town institutions of New England (to a limited extent) ; but there is left historical territory enough for student immigra- tion throughout the next hundred years. The beauty of science is that there are always new worlds to discover. And at the present moment there await the student pioneer vast tracts of American institutional and economic history almost as untouched as were once the forests of America, her coal measures and prairies, her mines of iron, silver, and gold. Individual and local effort will almost everywhere meet with quick recognition and grateful returns. But scientific and cosmopolitan relations with college and university centres, together with the generous co-operation of all explorers in the same field, will certainly yield the most satisfactory results both to the individual and to the community which he repre- sents. It is highly important that isolated students who desire to co-operate in this kind of work should avail themselves of the existing machinery of local libraries, the local press, local societies, and local clubs. If such things do not exist, the most needful should be created. No community is too small for a book club and for an association of some sort. Local studies should always be connected in some way with the life of the community, and should always be used to quicken that life to higher consciousness. A student, a teacher, who pre- pares a paper on local history or some social question, should read it before the village lyceum or some literary club or an association of teachers. If encouraged to believe his work of any general interest or permanent value, he should print it in the local paper or in a local magazine, perhaps an educa- 16 Special Methods of Historical Study, tional journal, without aspiring to the highest popular month- lies, which will certainly reject all purely local contributions by unknown contributors. It is far more practicable to publish by local aid in pamphlet form or in the proceedings of associations and learned societies, before Avhich such papers may sometimes be read. From a variety of considerations, the writer is persuaded that one of the best introductions to history that can be given in American high schools, and even in those of lower.grade, is through a study of the community in which the school is placed. History, like charity, begins at home. The best American citizens are those who mind home affairs and local interests. " That man's the best cosmopolite who loves his native country best." The best students of universal history are those who know some one country or some one subject Avell. The family, the hamlet, the neighborhood, the com- munity, the parish, the village, town, city, county, and state are historically the ways by which men have approached national and international life. It was a preliminary study of the geography of Frankfort-on-the-Main that led Carl Hitter to study the physical structure of Europe and Asia, and thus to establish the new science of comparative gcog- ra])hy. He says : *' Whoever has Avandercd through the valleys and woods, and over the hills and mountains of his own state, will be the one capable of following a Herodotus in his wanderings over the globe.'' And we may say, as liitter said of the science of geography, the first step in history is to know thoroughly the district where we live. In America, (iuyot represented for many years this method of teaching geography. Huxley, in his Physiography, has introduced ])upils to a study of Nature as a whole, by calling attention to the physical features of the Thames valley and the wide range of natural phenomena that may be observed in any English ])arish. Humboldt long ago said in his Cosmos: 'M^^very little nook and shaded corner is but a reflection of the whole of Nature." There is something Special Methods of Historical Study. 17 very suggestive and very quickeniDg in a pliilosoj^liy cf Nature and history which regards every spot of the earth's surface, every pebble, every form of organic life, from the lowest mollusk to the highest phase of human society, as a perfect microcosm, perhaps an undiscovered world of suggestive truth. But it is important to remember that all these things should be studied in their widest relations. Xatural history is of no significance if viewed apart from Man. Human history is without foundation if separated from Xature. The deeds of men, the genealogy of families, the annals of quiet neighbor- hoods, the records of towns, states, and nations are per se of little consequence to history miless in some way these isolated things are brought into vital connection with the progress and science of the world. To establish such connections is sometimes like the discovery of unknown lands, the explora- tion of new countries, and the widening of the world's horizon. American local history should be studied as a contribu- tion to national history. This country will yet be viewed and reviewed as an organism of historic growth, developing from minute germs, from the very protoplasm of state life. And some day this country will be studied in its international relations, as an organic part of a larger organism now vaguely called the World State, but as surely developing through the operation of economic, legal, social, and scientific forces as the American Union, the German and British Empires are evolv- ing into higher forms. American history in its widest rela- tions is not to be written by any one man nor by any one generation of men. Our history will grow with the nation and with its developing consciousness of internationality. The present possibilities for the real progress of historic and economic science lie, first and foremost, in the development of a generation of economists and practical historians, who realize that history is past politics and politics present history; secondly, in the expansion of the local consciousness into a fuller sense of its historic worth and dignity, of the cosmo- 3 18 Special Methods of Historical Study. politan relations of modern local life, and of its own whole- some conservative power in these days of growing centraliza- tion. National and international life can best develop upon the constitutional basis of local self-government in church and state. The work of developing a generation of specialists has already begun in the college and the university. The devel- opment of loail consciousness can perhaps be best stimulated throuijh the common school. It may be a suo-aestive fact that the school committee of Great Barrington, INIass., lately voted [Berhshire^ Courier, Sept. 6, 1882) to introduce into their village high school/ in the hands of an Amherst graduate, in connec- tion with Xordhoif 's " Politics for Young Americans/' and Jevons' " Primer of Political Economy/' the article " upon " The Germanic Origin of New England Towns/' which was once read in part before the Village Improvement Society of Stockbridge, Mass., Aug. 24, 1881, and published in the Pittsficld Evening Journal of that day. Local demand really occasioned a university supply of the article^ in question. The possible connection between the college and the common school is still better illustrated by the case of Professor Macy, of Iowa College, Grinnell, Avho is one of the most active pioneers in teaching '^ the real homely facts of government," and who in 1881 published a little tract on Civil Government in Iowa, which is now used by teachers throughout that entire State in preparing their oral instructions for young pupils, beginning with the township and the county, the institutions that are " neiirest and most easily learned." A special pupil of Pro- fessor Macy's — Al])ert Shaw, A. B., Iowa College, 1879 — is now writing a similar treatise on Civil Government in Illinois, for school use in that State. There should be such a manual for every State in the Union. ' The catalogiie of the Great Barrington High School (1882) shows that tlic study of history and politics is there founded, as it should be, upon a geographical basis. * Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, II. "The (fcrnianic Origin of New i'2ngland Towns." Special Ilethocls of Historical Study. 19 But the writer would like to see a text-book which not only explains, as does Principal Macy, " the real homely facts of government/' but which also sus^o^ests how those facts came to be. A study of the practical workings of local government and of the American Constitution is a study of politics which every young American ought to pursue. But a study of the origin and development of American institutions is a study of history in one of its most important branches. It is not necessary that young Americans should grapple with ^^tlie Constitution '^ at the very outset. Their forefathers put their energies into the founding of villages, towns, and plantations before they thought of American independence. Their first country this side of the Atlantic was the colony ; in some instances, the county. It is not uuAvorthy of sons to study the historic work of fathers who constructed a nation upon the solid rock of local self-government in church and state. If young Americans are to appreciate their religious and political inheritance, they must learn its intrinsic worth. They must be taught to appreciate the common and lowly things around them. They should grow up with as profound respect for town and parish meetings as for the State legisla- ture, not to speak of the Houses of Congress. They should recognize the majesty of the law, even in the parish constable as well as in the high sheriff of the county. They should look on selectmen as the head men of the town, the survival of the old English reeve and fom' best men of the parish. They should be taught to see in the town common or village green a survival of that primitive institution of land-commu- nity upon which town and state are based. They should be taught the meaning of town and family names ; how the word " town '' means, primarily, a place hedged in for purposes of defence ; how the picket-fences around home and house-lot are but a survival of the primitive town idea ; how home, hamlet, and toicn live on together in a name like Hampton, or Home- town. They should investigate the most ordinary things, for these are often the most archaic. For example, there is the 20 Special Methods of Historical Study. village pound, which Sir Henry Maine says is one of the most ancient institutions, '' older than the king's bench, and prob- ably older than the kingdom." There, too, are the field- drivers (still known in New England), the ancient tow*n herdsmen, village sliepherds, and village swine-herds (once common in this country), Avho serve to connect our historic life with the earliest pastoral beginnings of mankind. It would certainly be an excellent thing for the develop- ment of historical science in America if teachers in our public schools would cultivate the historical spirit in their pupils with special reference to the local environment. Something more than local history can be dra^vn from such sources. Take the Indian relics, the arrow-heads which a boy has found in his father's field, or which mav have been j^iven him by some antiquary : here are texts for familiar talks by the teacher ui)on the " Stone Age " and the progress of the world from savage beginnings. Indian names still linger upon our landsciipes, upon our mountains, rivers, fields, and meadows, affording a suggestive parallel between the " exterminated " natives of I]ngland and Xew England. AVliat a quickening impulse could be given to a class of bright pupils by a visit to some scene of ancient conflict with the Indians, like that at Bloody Brook in South Deerfield, Mass., or to such an inter- esting local museum as that in Old Deerfield, where is exhibited in a good state of preservation, the door of an early settler's house, — a door cut through by Indian tomahawks ! A nuiltitude of historical associations gather around every old town and hamlet in the land. There are local legends and traditions, liousehold tales, stories told by grandfathers and grandmothers, incidents remembered by " the oldest in- habitants." But above all in im])ortance are the old docu- ments and manuscript records of the first settlers, the early ])ionoors, the founders of our towns. Here are sources of inibniiation more authentic than tradition, and vet often entirely neglected. If teachers would simjily make a few extracts from these unpublLshcd records, they would soou Special Methods of Historical Study, 21 have sufficient materials in their hands for elucidating local history to their jjupils and fellow-townsmen. The publica- tion of such extracts in the local j)aper is one of the best ways to quicken local interest in matters of history. Biographies of ^'the first families/^ of the various ministers, doctors, lawyers, " Squires," ^' Generals," ^' Colonels," college grad- uates, school-teachers, and leading citizens, — these are all legitimate and pleasant means of kindling historical interest in the community and in the schools. The town fathers, the fathers of families, and all their sons and daughters will quickly catch the bearings of this kind of historical study, for it takes hold upon the life of the community and quickens not only pride in the past but hope for the future. In order to study history it is not necessary to begin with dead men's bones, with Theban dynasties, the kings of Assyria, the royal families of Europe, or even with the presidents of the United States. These subjects have their importance in certain connections, but for beginners in history there are perhaps other subjects of greater interest and vitality. The most natural entrance to a knowledge of the history of the w^orld is from a local environment through widening circles of interest, until, from the rising ground of the present, the broad horizon of the ])ast comes clearly into vicAv. There is hardly a subject of contemporary interest which, if properly studied, will not carry the mind back to a remote antiquity, to historic relations as wide as the world itself. A study of the community in which the student dwells will serve to connect that community not only with the origin and groAvth of the State and Nation, but with the mother-country, with the German fatherland, with village communities throughout the Aryan world, — from Germany and Russia to old Greece and Rome ; from these classic lands to Persia and India. Such modern connections with the distant Orient are more refreshing than the genealogy of Darius the son of Ilystaspes. I would not be understood as disparaging ancient or old- world history, for, if rightly taught, this is the most inter- 22 Special Methods of Historical Study, esting of all history ; but I would be understood as empha- sizing the importance of studying the antiquity which survives in the present and in this country. America is not such a new world as it seems to many foreigners. Geologists tell us that our continent is the oldest of all. Historians like Mr. Freeman declare that if we want to see Old England we must go to New England. Old France survives in French Canada. In Virginia, peculiarities of the WcvSt Saxon dialect are still preserved. Professor James A. Harrison, of Lexington, Vir- ginia, writes me that in Louisiana and ]\Iississippi, where upon old French and Spanish settlements the English finally planted, there are " sometimes three traditions sujjer-imposed, one on the other." Men like George W. Cable and Charles Gayarr6 have been mining to good advantage in such historic strata. If American students and teachers are equally wise, they will look about their own homes before visiting the land of Chaldfea. The main difficulty with existing methods of teachino: his- tory seems to be that the subject is treated as a record of dead facts, and not as a living science. Pupils fail to realize the vital connection between the past and the present ; they do not understand that ancient history was the dawn of a light which is still shining on ; they do not grasp the essential idea of history, which is the orrowino; self-knowledccc of a liviuG:, progressive age. Etymologically and practically, the study of history is simply a learning by inquiry. According to Professor Droysen, who is one of the most eminent historians in Berlin, the historiail method is merely to understand by means of rc^icarch. Now it seems entirely practicable for every teacher and student of history to promote, in a limited way, the "know thyself'^ of the nineteenth century by orig- inal investigation of things not yet fully known, and by com- immicatiiig to others tlie results of his individual study. The ])nr.-iiit nl' lii^toi'v may thus become an active instead of a passive process, — an incrciising joy instead of a depressing burden. Studentij will thus Icai'n that history is not entirely Special Methods of Historical Study. 23 bound up in text-books ; that it does not consist altogether in what this or that learned authority has to say about the world. What the world believes concerning itself, after all that men have written, and what the student thinks of the world, after viewing it with the aid of guide-books and with his own eyes, — these are matters of some moment in the developmental process of that active self-knowledge and philosophic reflection which make history a living science instead of a museum of facts and of books " as dry as dust/' Works of history, the so-called standard authorities, are likely to become dead specimens of humanity unless they continue in some way to quicken the living age. But written history seldom fails to accomplish this end, and even antiquated works often continue their influence if viewed as progressive phases of human self-knowledge. Monuments and inscriptions can never grow old so long as the race is young. New meaning is put into ancient records ; fresh garlands are hung upon broken statues ; new temples are built from classic materials ; and the world rejoices at its constant self-renewal. II. New Methods of Study in History/ The methods of historical study which are to be described in this paper may be specified as the Topical method, the Comparative method, the Co-operative method, and the Sem- inary or Laboratory method. 1.— THE TOPICAL METHOD. A story is told of the introduction of biology to a class in an American college by a young professor, who, when asked by the college president if he did not intend to begin his class- work with a study of great principles, replied "No, we shall begin with a bushel of clams." If there is any guiding principle in the study of historical as well as of natural science, it is " The way to that which is general is through that which is special." ^ For beginners in history concrete facts ^ This paper was read in abstract before tbe American Social Science Association, at Saratoga, September 4, 1883. It has since been considerably enlarged, especially upon the subject of the Seminary method, which has lately been worked out at the Johns Hopkins University in certain peculiar and practical ways, which may have more than a local interest. Dr. G. Stanley Hall and others interested in American pedagogics have urged the publication of a fuller account of the Baltimore Seminary, than the fore- going chapter which appeared in his book. The present article, while giving in detail the history of a local institution, which has evolved in its own way, treats of historical seminaries in general, so that the subject may be fairly represented. ^O. Yager, quoted by Diesterweg, in Dr. Hall's volume on "Methods of Teaching History," 146. 4 25 26 New IfetJwds of Studi/ in History. are quite as essential as clams or earth-worms for beginners in biology. It makes little difference with what class of facts the student begins, provided they are not too complex for easy- apprehension. A child may find historical culture in Bible stories, in Aryan mythology, in the Arabian Nights, in the legends of the middle ages, in the Boy's Froissart, or in the travels and adventures of Captain John Smith. Children of a larger growth may find as much profit in studying inci- dents of ancient as incidents of modern history. As far as mere culture is concerned, old Rome may be as suggestive as modern England. Ancient Egypt has its parallel in modern China. Democracy in Europe is fully as interesting as democracy in America. The point is that universal history may be approached in a great variety of special ways, any one of which may be as good as another. They are like the Brahminical philosopher's idea of different religious revela- tions, — gates leading into the same city. All roads lead to Home, and all roads lead to history. But while this general truth remains, that a student may approach history from any standpoint he may choose to take, whether in the ancient or in the modern world, at the begin- ning or at the end of historic time, it also remains true that there is a certain practical advantage in beginning historical study with that Avhich is nearest and most familiar. A man's own family, community, country, and race are the most natural objects of historical interest, because man is born into such associations and because an historical knowledge of them Avill always be the most valuable form of historical culture, for these subjects most concern our own life, our past, present, and future. In histor}^, as in biology, live specimens are usually better than dead ones. As a live dog is better than a dead lion, so historical subjects which possess vitality or continuity of interest from ajje to a<]:e, are tlie fittest for historical study. Some characters and scenes of history arc of fresh and peren- nial interest aUliough belonging to ages now remote. Other topics seem to have no enduring life, and, like dead specimens New Methods of Study in History. 27 of zoologjj are relegated to antiquarian museums. Life is of supreme interest to history, as it is to biology; hence those nations and men that have made the present what it is will always be the best topics for historical study. The field of history is so vast, it is cumbered with so many ruins and dead men's bones, that it is almost impossible to range over the whole tract and to identify all the past. There are some things which interest us and some which do not. It is better to rescue a few topics of living interest than to waste time and strength upon a dead past which buries itself. Accordingly, in teaching or studying any given section of history, whether ancient or modern, American or Assyrian, English or Egyptian, German or Greek, Russian or Roman, it would be well for the teacher or student to hold to living issues, to topics of surviving or of lasting interest. It is not worth while, for example, for most students to learn all the names of Assyrian and Egyptian kings, and how long each dynasty reigned. On the other hand, enduring geographical facts, which have supported kingdoms in Mesopotamia and in the Nile valley during all ages of the world, are of lasting sig- nificance. The agriculture, industries, art, science, literature, religion and social culture of these countries will always be of interest to most minds, for these things have entered into the life of the race. The ways and means by which modern science began to find out these early civilizations is almost as interesting as the facts that were discovered. A knowledge of the modern literature concerning ancient Egypt or Assyria is perhaps of even more value to students than a general knowledge of Egyptian chronology. I should be inclined to recommend, in beginning the study of history by any special method of approach, like the history of America or the history of Egypt, that teacher and class begin work upon the geography of the United States or of the Nile valley. The pupil should be referred to his atlas and the teacher should show his pupil how to draw an outline map of the country under consideration, how to lecture in an 28 New Methods of Study in History, off-hand way, upon the coast-line, mountain-ranges, river-val- leys, climate, and other physical characteristics of tlie land, in short, tlie enduring natural influences Avliich would affect the people inhabiting this chosen land. Show him Avhere they would settle if they followed the guidance of geography and climate. Such a topic as physical geogra})hy, thus viewed in its specific application to a given country, might profitably occupy several class exercises. Then, after a thorough consid- eration of the lay of the land, comes naturally the topic of the people, the first inhabitants. Were they aborigines, if not, where did they come from as colonists ? This question of the origin and connection of races, even if cursorily treated, intro- duces a class at once to one of the greatest topics in universal history, namely, ethnology. AVhether viewed in ancient or modern ways, the subject of the origin and dispersion of races must always remain one of the most fruitful and instructive themes. After the topics of a chosen land and of a chosen people, should come the subject of the sources of that people's history. What memorials of themselves have the primitive inhabitants of America or of Egypt left behind them ? Here is an oppor- tunity, whether in the case of ancient America or of ancient Egypt,^ for considering the subject of the Stone Age, the first relics of human industry and of the oldest monuments of our race. AMietlier the illustration be Indian arrow heads or sharp Ethioi)ian stones, the mounds of the Great West or the pyramids of Egypt, a class of bright students will easily become interested, if not enthusiastic, provided the slightest care Ls taken to present them with illustrative material in the shape of Stone Age relics, real or pictoriid. Egy])tian liiero- glyj[)hics and Indian picture writing would serve the same great ' The idea of Brnu^cli that " Egypt throws scorn upon tlie assumed periods of the three ages of stone, of bronze, and of iron," finds striicing refutation in Prof. Ilenrv W. Ilayne's " Discovery of Pahieolithic Implements in Uisper Egyi't." Memoirs of the American Academy of Science, vol. x. New Methods of Study in History. 29 purpose of explaining the origin of alphabets and literatures. The special and the concrete are thus transformed into the uni- versal and the philosophic, and that too in the mind of a child. Universalia in rebus. A picture of the Rosetta Stone or a story of Indian myths brings different languages and religions into some kind of co-ordination, and even in the study of a single people the history of the world begins to be the history of our common humanity. The religious ideas, the manners and customs of both Indians and Egyptians are among the very best sources of universal history, and no teacher or student can aiford to neglect such topics. Under the head of the sources of American or of Egyptian history a great variety of special topics will suggest themselves as class-work advances and as individual interest kindles for concrete real- ities. So varied and so deep becomes the interest in topical history that no manual or mere sketch is sufficient to satisfy the demands of a quick and eager class. Original sources and standard authorities are seen to be fresher, purer, and stronger than the tiny rill of school-book literature which rarely flows from the real fountain-head, but from standing reservoirs of derived knowledge. It is of great importance in the pedagog- ical process of teaching history that the student should learn the origin of written history, how manuals and standard histories are constructed; otherwise, the student will look upon the book or manual as a final authority. He should, on the contrary, look at all written history as simply a current, more or less colored by human prejudice, a current which has come down, like the Nile or the Mississippi, from some higher and more original source than the passing stream. Such a consciousness leads the student to further inquiry, to a habit of mind like that of explorers who sought the sources of the Nile or of the Congo. To develop this inquiring habit in pupils is an easy matter, but it is not always so easy to gratify awakened curiosity. Pupils should, however, be taught to find out things for themselves and not to despise 30 New Methods of Study in History. the teacher or an author, if he does not profess to know everything that can be discovered. The sooner pupils and teacher consent to work together, the better it will be for both. American teachers are beginning to introduce their pupils to American history in special ways. In Boston, during the summer vacation of 1883, a course of lectures for young people was given in the Old South Church by a number of specialists, encouraged by Mrs. Augustus Hemenway, upon such common- place topics as History in the Boston Streets, Franklin the Boston Boy, Samuel Adams the Man of the Town meeting, Concord, Plymouth, and Governor Bradford. In connec- tion with each lecture was published a miniature historical journal called "Old South Leaflets,'' containing short extracts from original sources of Ncav England History, for example an extract from Bradford's History of Plymouth Plantation describing the preliminary arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers in Caj^e Cod Harbor, before tlieir landing upon Plymouth Pock. In connection with the lecture on Concord, given by Mr. Frank B. Sanborn, was printed an extract from Ralph AYaldo Emerson's Discourse on the Second Centennial Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town, togetlier with that famous Concord hymn written by the poet -sage, where " once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world." To accompany the lecture on Town meeting, by Professor James K. Hosmer, extracts were printed from Jeiferson and De Tocqueville, and from the revolutionary correspondence of the famous committees of safety which evolved from those popular assemblies under the guidance of men like Samuel Adams, the Man of the Town meeting. Such to])ical lectures explain how the American Revolution was kindled. These are good illustrations of the topical method of introducing pupils not only to New England history, but to tlie history of our common country. One cannot help believing that the Neiu Methods of Study in History. 31 Old South Church ^ proved a better school -house and a more suggestive school-book during a summer vacation than many which bear the name, year in and year out. It is undoubtedly the most profitable course for American Common Schools and High Schools to approach the study of history, as they usually do, from an American standpoint, from which the field of vision widens gradually over English and French history. But it is possible, in many instances, to make American history more interesting and more suggestive by improving the local envu'onment, by opening fresh vistas with widening outlook from the local vantage ground of State, County, Town, and Village. The American standpoint will aiford broader views and more local coloring by special methods of observation. One of the best illustrations of the topical method as applied to the study of American history is the class-work of Professor Moses Coit Tyler, at Cornell University, and of Dr. Albert B. Hart, at Harvard University. Cornell is the first American institution which has made American history a distinct specialty, by the establishment of a full professorship, devoted entirely to this department. President White, in his recent report (1883), says: ^'In no part of the world to-day is there so complete a course in American history, either in extent or equipment,^ as can be found here.'' ' A further development of tlie lecture system in the Old South Church was a course of twelve special lectures by Mr. John Fiske, upon the Amer- ican Eevolution, from "The First Misunderstanding," 1761-67 — until con- stitutional order evolved out of chaos, 1787-89. ^ The equipment of Cornell University for the study of American history is illustrated by the Sparks and May Collections, and by an appropriation from the Trustees, of " over §5,000 during the past year [1883] to special pur- chases of books in the department of American history." One of the Faculty "has deposited for the use of the students, a large collection of works relating to the most recent period in our history, especially the time of the Civil War. The Executive Committee have also fitted up a commo- dious lecture-room and a special library for the use of students in this department, and have added to its other equipment a very complete collec- tion of maps." Extracts from President White's Annual Report, 1883. 32 Keiv Methods of Study in History. , Professor Tyler, by request of the author of this paper, has prepared the following brief account of a special class-course, which admirably illustrates the topical method : " Perhaps it may be a peculiarity in my work as a teacher of History here that I am permitted to give my whole attention to American History. At any rate, this fact enables me to organize the work of American History so as to cover, more perfectly than I could otherwise do, the whole field, from the prehistoric times of this continent down to the present, with a minuteness of attention varying, of course, as the importance of the particular topic varies. ^' I confess that I adopt for American History the principle which Professor Seeley, of Cambridge, is fond of applying to English History, namely, that while History should be thor- oughly scientific in its method, its object should be practical. To this extent I believe in History with a tendency. My interest in our own past is chiefly derived from my interest in our own present and future ; and I teach American History, not so much to make historians as to make citizens and good leaders for the State and the Xation. From this point of view^, I decide upon the selection of historical topics for special study. At present I should describe them as the following : The native races, especially the Mound-builders and the North American Indians; the alleged Pre-Columbian discoveries; the origin and enforcement of England's claim to North America, as against competing European nations ; the motives and methods of English colony-planting in America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; the development of ideas and institutions in tlie American colonies, witli particular ref- erence to religion, education, industry, and civil freedom; the grounds of inter-colonial isolation and of inter-colonial fellow- sliip; the causes and j)r()gress of the movement for colonial independence; the history of the formation of the national constitution ; the origin and growth of ix)litical parties under the constitution ; the history of slavery as a factor in Americiui ])()litics, culminating in the ci\il war of 18G1-G5. On all New Methods of Study in History. 33 these subjects, I try to generate and preserve in myself and my pupils such an anxiety for the truth, that we shall prefer it even to national traditions or the idolatries of party. ^' As to methods of work, I doubt if I have anything to report that is peculiar to myself, or different from the usage of all teachers who try to keep abreast of the times. I am an eclectic. I have tried to learn all the current ways of doing this work, and have appropriated what I thought best suited to our own circumstances. As I have students of all grades, so my methods of work include the recitation, the lecture, and the seminary.^ I have found it impossible by the two former, to keep my students from settling into a merely passive atti- tude ; it is only by the latter that I can get them into an attitude that is inquisitive, eager, critical, originating. My notion is that the lecturing must be reciprocal. As I lecture to them, so must they lecture to me. We are all students and all lecturers. The law of life with us is co-operation in the search after the truth of history.'^ In a book recently published by Ginn and Heath, of Boston, on ^' Methods of Teaching History,'^ there is a thorough exposi- tion of the special or topical method, from the pen of Professor William F. Allen, of the University of Wisconsin. He has also contributed a remarkably full list of "History Topics'' pertaining to ancient, mediaeval, and modern history, — including a special group of subjects rejjresenting the history of America. This list of topics, filling a dozen small octavo pages, forms an excellent guide to the study not only of uni- versal history, but also of history from any special point of view, whether ancient or modern. Oriental, Grecian, Roman, Frankish, German, French, or American. The list might, perhaps, be supplemented by a fuller set of English topics, An excellent illustration of Professor Tj^er's seminary work is a paper by Miss Mary E. B. Roberts, of Washington, D. C, on ''Bacon's Rebel- lion," which was read by me before the Historical Seminary in Baltimore, February 8, 1884. 5 34 Nexo Methods of Study in History, but for an introduction to general history it will admirably serve its purpose. A valuable companion to this list of topics is a chapter on ^' Historical Literature and Authorities," which will greatly aid the teacher or student who may be engaged in a special line of historical study. One finds here the chief English works of historical literature all conveniently classi- fied by subjects, with brief annotations indicating the special value or weakness of various authorities. It is no small mat- ter for a student to learn the best ways and means of historical inquiry upon such important subjects as Primitive Society, Comparative ^lythology. Ethnic Religions, the History of Society, General History, Ancient History, (the Orient, Greece, Kome) the Church, the Reformation, England, Ireland, Scot- land, Erance, the English and French Revolutions, the Nine- teenth Century, the United States, and our last civil war. Professor Allen's chronological classification of historical novels, poems, plays, and his mention of books for collateral reading in connection with class-Avork will also prove of great practical value to teachers and pupils. ^' Knowledge," says if Dr. Johnson, ^' is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where w^e can find information upon it." Professor Allen's views concerning 'the topical method of historical study are best represented by one or two literal citations from his chapter in the volume above mentioned : *^ The field of history is so vast and varied that it is impossi- ble, in any college course, to treat all the subjects that deserve to be taken up. All that we can do is to lay out a course, or a number of courses, which appear to meet, as a whole, the needs of the largest number, and which will allow selection, in accordance with tastes, to those who do not care to take it as a whole. ... As to method, I have also experimented a great deal. For college classes — elective classes especially — nothing seems to me a greater waste of force than to spend the hour with a text-book in my hand, hearing the students repeat what is in the book, liccturing, however satisfactory in the German universities, I do not find suited to the Avants of my Neio Metliods of Study in History. 35 students as a regular mode of instruction. For sugcrestion and for review it may be employed with great advantage ; and for regular instruction in fields in which there is no suitable text- book, I am often obliged to have recourse to it. But it requires, to be efficacious, constant questioning, thorough examinations, and occasional inspection of note-books. ''■ In the method which I have at last settled upon, my aim has been to get some of the benefits which students in the natural sciences acquire from work in laboratories. Students of the age and maturity of juniors and seniors can get the greatest advantage from historical study by doing some inde- pendent work akin to laboratory work. I Avould not be understood as claiming that this is original investigation, in any true sense of the term. Laboratory work in chemistry and physics is not original investigation, neither is the study of topics in history. The object, it must be remembered, is education, not historical investigation ; and the object of the educational process is not merely to ascertain facts, but even more : to learn how to ascertain facts. For the student, as a piece of training, historians like Prescott and Bancroft may stand in the place of authorities. To gather facts from them, really at second hand, has for the student much of the educa- tional value of first-hand work. Of course, there is a differ- ence in students, and the work done by some is of a much higher grade than that of others. For the best students it easily and frequently passes into the actual study of authori- ties at first hand. ''In studying by topics I always desire that the class should have a text-book — a brief compendium — upon which they are liable to be questioned and examined, and which will serve at any rate as a basis and guide of work. My method is then to assign for every day— as long beforehand as possible— special topics to two or three students, which they are to study with as great thoroughness as possible in all the works to which they have access, and present orally in the class, writing out a syllabus beforehand upon the blackboard. If they write out 36 Keiv Methods of Study in History. the topic, and depend upon a written paper, they are much less likely to be certain of their ground and independent in their treatment. " The topical method here described is successsful in propor- tion to the abundance and accessibility of books of reference. In American history it works best, and here I employ no other. In the dynastic history of ancient and modern times, it is satis- factory in most cases. I combine with it constant map-draAv- ing, and the preparation of a synchronistic chart. In the more advanced courses, owing to the deficiency of good books of reference, it is necessary to abandon the method, or combine it with lectures, recitations, and written essays. It is, of course, impossible to assign topics which cover the whole ground. It is possible, however, to select for this purpose all the names and events of first importance, and it is one of the advantages of the topical method that it thus affords an opportunity to emphasize those facts of history which most need emphasis. It is the special function of the teacher to supplement the topics, to point out their relative importance and their connection with one another, and to help the students in acquiring a com- plete and accurate general view." , 2.— THE COMPARATIVE METHOD. A great impulse was given to the historical sciences by the introduction of the comparative method into the study of philology, mythology, religion, law, and institutions. It seemed as thougli t\\Q horizon of all of these fields suddenly widened, and as if the world of luunan thought and research were expanding into new realms. Through comparative pliilology the kinship of the Indo-European family of nations was made known to History, and upon the basis of this one great fact, comparative mytliology, comparative religion, compar- ative jurisprudence and comparative politics have been raised into indej)endent sciences. Perhaps the grandest result of the comparative method, while broadening the ai'cas of New Methods of Study in History. 37 human knowledge, was the breaking down of that middle wall of partition between nations once thought to be widely different in language, religion, law and government. The ancient and the modern world were brought together. It was seen that Medes and Persians, Greeks and Romans, Kelts, Teutons, and Slaves are all of one common Aryan stock. ^^ Before the great discoveries of modern science,'^ says Free- man, ^^ before that greatest of all its discoveries which has revealed to us the unity of Aryan sj)eech, of Aryan religion, and Aryan political life, the worn out superstitions about ^ ancient ^ and ^ modern ' ought to pass by like the spectres of darkness. . . . The range of our political vision becomes wider when the application of the comparative method sets before us the ekldesia of Athens, the comitia of Rome, as institutions, not merely analogous, but absolutely the same thing, parts of the same common Aryan heritage, as the ancient assemblies of our own land. We carry on the tale as we see that it is out of those assemblies that our modern parliaments, our modern courts of justice, our modern public gatherings of every kind, have grown.'^ (On the Study of History, Fort- nightly Review, March 1, 1881.) It would be a fine thing for American students if, in studying special topics in the history of their own country, they would occasionally compare the phases of historic truth here discovered with similar phases of discovery else- Avhere; if, for example, the colonial beginnings of North America should be compared with Aryan migrations westward into Greece and Italy, or again with the colonial systems of Greece and of the Roman Empire, or of the English Empire to-day, which is continuing in South Africa and Australia and in Manitoba, the same old spirit of enterprise which colonized the Atlantic seaboard of North America. It would interest young minds to have parallels drawn between English colo- nies, Grecian commonwealths, Roman provinces, the United Cantons of Switzerland, and the United States of Holland. To be sure, these various topics would requn'e considerable 38 New Methods of Study in History. study on the part of teacher and pupil, but the fathers of the American constitution, Madison, Hamilton, and others, 'went over such ground in preparing the platform of our present federal government. American sons can follow their fathers, although with unequal steps. Why should not American youth learn, as did the founders of our government, that there have been such things as confederations and unions, as con- stitutions and states rights, as checks and balances, in other countries and in former ages of the world? In such ways American history might become less provincial and more universal. But my special plea is for the application of the compara- tive method to the use of historical literature. Students should learn to view history in different lights and from various standpoints. Instead of relying passively upon the ipse dixit of the school-master or of the school-book or of some one historian, pupils should learn to judge for themselves by com- paring evidence. Of course some discretion should be exer- cised by the teacher in the case of young pupils, but even children are attracted by diiferent versions of the same tale or legend, and catch at new points of interest with all the eager- ness of original investigators. The scattered elements of fact or tradition should be brought together as children piece together the scattered blocks of a map. The criterion of all truth, as well as of all art, is fitness. Comparison of different accounts of the same historic event would no more injure boys and girls than would a comparative study of the four gospels. On the contrary, such comparisons strengthen the judgment and give it greater independence and stability. In teaching history, altogether too much stress has been laid, in many of our schools, upon mere forms of verbal expression in the text- book, as thougli historic truth consisted in the repetition of what some author had said. It would be far better for the student to read the same story in several different forms and then to give his own version. The latter process would be an independent historical view based upon a variety of evidence. New Methods of Study in History. 39 The memorizing of " words, words/^ prevents the assimilation of pure facts and clogs the mental processes of reflection and private judgment. The prosecution of the comparative method in the study of history requires an increase of facilities beyond the meagre text-books now in use. While by no means advocating the abolition of all manuals, chronologies, and general sketches of history, I would strongly urge the establishment of class- libraries for historical reference. This special practice would be quite in harmony with the growing custom of equipping public schools with special libraries. It is a practice which the interest of publishers and the good sense of all friends of education would tend to foster. In some cases, where pupils are well advanced, they can take the matter of supplying a special library into their own hands, under the direction of a teacher. At Smith College, ISTorthampton, Massachusetts, the various classes, for several years in succession, instead of buy- ing text-books in history, contributed the money which text- books would have cost into individual class funds, with which a great variety of standard authorities and original sources of information were procured, covering the historical period the class was to study as no manuals could have done. Each class-library was kept under the control of a class-committee, who saw to it that the books were so distributed as to carry out the plans of the teacher for class-work and individual investigation. Special topics were assigned, which required reading in a variety of authors, a chapter here, a few pages there, a paragraph elsewhere. By careful management on the part of the teacher and by cordial co-operation on the part of the class, a few good books of reference may become a circu- lating library of remarkable efficiency. The larger the class, the larger the library that can be afforded and the greater the potential volume of class-knowledge thereby secm^ed ; but in smaller classes it is of course easier for the teacher to co-ordin- ate labor and its results. The preparation of essays on special themes, based upon the comparative method of study ; oral 40 New Methods of Study in History, examinations of the class upon general topics which have been prepared from different sources of information ; the occasional inspection of note-books, the keeping of which should be re- quired in connection with class-reading ; written examinations on general topics, lectures, and certain optional subjects afford sufficient scoj^e for the teacher's judgment as to the progress of his class by the comparative method. At Smith College, Harvard College, and at the Johns Hop- kins University, the comparative method of study in History and other subjects has long been in operation. In Cambridge and in Baltimore, certain books are reserved from the main library of the university for class-use. In Baltimore, such reservations are occasionally supplemented by drafts on other libraries in the city and by private contributions. The books are read in the university reading-room, but are taken out by special arrangement, for a limited time, when there is no other demand. In Baltimore, among undergraduates, the comparative method of historical study is confined chiefly to the use of standard histories, with here and there an original source of information to give the spice of originality to student- research. The general theory is that undergraduates need training in good historical form, quite ats much as in historical substance; that the influence of great masters like Curtius and Gibbon, Sismondi and Guizot, Hallam, Stubbs, Freeman, Green, Motley, and Bancroft, are of as great consequence as the facts they teach. The mere acquaintance with historical literature which a student acquires by the comparative method is likely to prove a greater value and stimulus to him in after life than any amount of text-book culture, of mere verbiage. ]\Iorcover, by the comparative method in the use of standard historians, students learn by a secondary process the same habits of reflection and individual judgment which they must afterwards apply and develoj) in the primary process of constructing liistory from original sources. Good illustrations of the comparative method in historical study are the courses at Harvard college, given by Professor New Methods of Study in History. 41 Torrey, aided by Dr. Edward Charming, in diplomatic his- tory, international law, and modern constitutions. While certain approved text-books are used for the guidance of the class, comparative reading upon special topics is pursued by individual students. All the authorities recommended upon a given subject are placed among the books reserved for these courses. Similar methods are pursued by Professor Macvane in his excellent class-courses on European history and on the constitutional history of England. 3._THE CO-OPERATIVE METHOD. It is not possible, within the limits of this paper, to describe the development of that new system of writing history, which is based upon the economic principles of division of labor and final co-operation. The time was when individual historians, monks and chroniclers, grappled boldly with the history of the whole world. There are still compilers of text-books for schools and colleges who attempt to epitomize the deeds of men from creation down to the present day. Indeed, the greatest of living historians, Leopold von Eanke, is now rapidly reviewing universal history in a work which already embraces several volumes and which he hopes to finish soon, being now at the age of eighty-eight, so that he may resume more special work. But, in spite of this extraordinary example, which seems to defy the weakness of age and the will of fate, it may be said with confidence that the day of universal histories by individual men is past. The day for the special and co-operative treatment of history by countries, epochs, and monographic themes is already here. We see a co-operative tendency in the best school-books. The history even of a single nation is now recognized as too vast a thing for one man to handle in a truly scientific manner, although special results of individual research are still co-ordinated in popular ways. The most notable example of the co-operative method in universal history is the new monographic history 6 42 * New Methods of Study in History, of the world, edited by Professor Willielm Oncken, but com- posed by the most emment specialists in Germany. One man writes the history of Egypt in the light of modern research ; another that of Persia ; a third reviews the history of Greece, giving the latest results of Grecian archaeological investi- gations; others revise Poman history and the early history of Germanic peoples. This co-operative method has lately been applied in Schon- berg's great work on political economy, and was applied many years ago to a dictionary of political science by the late Dr. J. C. Bluntschli, of Heidelberg. Under his editorial guidance, contributions were made by French and German specialists to a great variety of subjects relating to European history ahd politics. Bluntschli's example has been followed in this country by the publication of Lalor's Cyclopaedia of Political Science, Political Economy, and of the Political History of the United States. In America, the co-operative method of writing history has long been in quiet operation. Perhaps one of the earliest and most fruitful examples was that of the Massachusetts Historical Society, which, in the latter part of the last centurv, beo;an to encourao^e the writino; of New England town history upon principles ©f local co-operation. The contributions of parish ministers and local antiquaries were published in the proceedings of the society, and proved the humble beginnings of that remarkable series of town histories, which have now specialized the constitution of New England into a vast number of village republics, each one thought worthy of independent treatment. Co-operation has entered even the local domain, e, g.^ the history of Boston, after passing through various individual hands, has lately been rewritten by a group of specialists, working under the editorial direction of Professor Justin Winsor, of Harvard College. This method is now proposed in Providence and other cities. It has been extended by Justin Winsor to the whole country, for the Narrative and Critical History of the United States, which he is now editing, is made up of monographs by the best specialists that the country afibrds. New 3fethods of Study in History. 43 The special plea to be urged in this connection is for the application of the co-operative method by classes engaged in historical study. The field of universal history is too vast, not only for historians, but for individual students to master, except in the barest outlines. It has been elsewhere urged that the best way to general history is through that which is special. Here the proposition is that the results of special work can be so co-ordinated in a class of students that each member may, to some extent, reaj) the benefit of the labor of his companions. Especially is the co-operative method of study to be recommended, where the time and opportunities of a class are extremely limited. More historical ground can thus be covered in a truly scholarly way than is possible from the use of a meagre text-book. In Baltimore and elsewhere, the co-operative method is applied to the study of universal history by countries and epochs. While working to a certain extent upon common ground, covered by text-books, prescribed authors, and class-lectures, the members of a history-class co-operate wdth their instructor in the investigation of special topics connected with the course. The results of this special work are presented to the class in the form of original papers or brief ex tempore lectures by the students themselves, who are encouraged to abridge their knowledge and present it to the class in the form of an oral report, with the analysis written upon the blackboard. The reading of long essays before a class usually has a very depressing influence, but a student talking freely from a full head, and making his points clear and strong, always commands attention. The urgent plea, then, for the co-operative method which I would make is for its application to the study of History in classes. Experience at the Johns Hopkins University and at Smith College has shown the advantage of this method for classes with a short period of time at their command, who nevertheless desire to cover a goodly stretch of historical ter- ritory. The method, in its practical operation, consists of a division of labor in a class guided by an instructor, who 44 New Methods of Study in History, niKlcrtakcs to direct special work into co-operative channels. The student, while to some extent upon the common ground of text-books, or prescribed authors, and Avhile taking notes upon class-lectures, of a special character, carries on investiga- tions in close connection with the general course. Written reports are submitted to a critic for correction, are read before an elocutionist for the sake of training in the art of presenta- tion, and are then finally presented, either wlioUy or in part, to the class, who take notes and are examined upon these co-operative studies in the same way as on material presented by the instructor. Studejst Lectures. An interesting and valuable practice has gradually grown up among students of Historical and Political Science at the Johns Hopkins University, namely that of students lecturing to their own class upon subjects connected with the course. The practice originated several years ago among undergrad- uate students of History and International Law ; it was the natural outgrowth of the topical method of study. It is a practice considerably different from that of reading formal essays, which often prove very burdensome to a class of intel- ligent pupils. The idea of oral reports with the aid of a brief Or of a few notes, or, best of all, of an analysis written upon the bhickboard, led the way to the preparation of a reg- ular course of co-operative lectures by members of a class working conjointly with the instructor. Greater dignity was given to the efforts of students by asking them in turn to come to the front, to the map or blackboard, or else to the instructor's chair. For the time being the student became the teacher. Pretensions were seldom made to original investigations in preparing for such a class-lecture. The understanding was that students should collect the most authoritative information upon a given subject and present it to his fellows in an instructive way. This naturally implied the selection k^^ the best points of view and the omission of all New Methods of Study in History. 45 irrelevant matter. Tlie success of the lecturer turned, not upon his occupying the time by reading an encyclopaedic article, but upon his kindling the interest of his classmates and keeping then* attention to the end. Prehistoric Times. An experiment was tried during the first half of the present academic year (1883-84) with a class of undergraduates (Fresh- men) who were just beginning their study of History by following a course of introductory lectures on the Origin of Civilization. In connection with the instructor ^s course, which concerned more especially the Stone Age and the Develop- ment of the Human Family, such topics as the following were assigned to individuals for study, and for informal lec- tures at the desk of the instructor : Clubs and Batons ; Stone Knives ; Axes ; Spears and Sceptres ; Origin of Fire ; Origin of Clothes ; the Hunting and Fishing Stages of Society ; the Plough and the Beginnings of Agriculture ; Bread and the Cultivation of Cereals ; Evolution of the House ; Boats and their Improvement ; Barter ; the Art of Counting ; Origin of the Alphabet; Picture- Writing ; Pottery, etc. The youths appointed to these tasks were referred to such authorities as Tylor, Lubbock, Lyell, Wilson, Evans, Geikie, Peschel, Keary, Abbot, Short, Jones, et al., whose writings were placed upon a reservation in the Library. The appointees quickly found their way into the pith of these books or such parts of them as concerned the subject in hand. The reports made to the class in the shape of oif-hand lectures were really of surpris- ing interest and value to the audience. So well did the experiment succeed that a few of these Freshmen were per- suaded to give brief addresses to the Matriculate Society (embracing all undergraduate students who are candidates for the degree of A. B.) upon a series of connected topics pertain- ing to the Stone Age, namely, the Social Condition of Primi- tive Man, his Moral and Peligious Condition, his Knowledge 46 New Methods of Study in History, of the Useful Arts, Evidence as to the Antiquity of Man, etc. These addresses partook of the nature of a discussion of Primitive Man from special j)oints of view. The remarks made were by no means essays committed to memory, but rather the easy utterance of minds well stored with facts. The naturalness of the efforts and the absence of all attempts at Sophomoric eloquence were quite noteworthy. As further illustrations of the kind of subjects investigated by undergraduate students at the Johns Hopkins University, who were working in a co-operative Avay with their instruc- tors, the following select lists may suffice. It should be understood that in each class, namely in Church History, the Italian Renaissance, the German Reformation, in the History of France and England during the Middle Ages, and in the History of Political Economy, the teacher gave systematic instruction by lectures or otherwise, and that the investigations carried on by students had direct connection with the class- course. Church History. Influence of Jewish Ceremonial upon the Christian Church ; Influence of Greek Philosophy upon* Christian Thought; Influence of Poman Institutions upon the Church and upon tlie Canon LaAV ; the Apostolic Fathers ; the Greek Apolo- gists ; the Latin Apologists ; Saint Ambrose ; Chrysostom, Saint Jerome and the Vulgate ; Saint Augustine and the City of God ; Nestorianism ; the Clergy and the Laity ; the Office of Patriarch ; Metropolitan Centres of Church Life ; Origin of the Papacy ; Artistic Pepresentations of the Growth of the Ecclesiastical Constitution; Leo the Great; Extension of Church Authority into England; Conversion of Germany; Pclation of Charles the Great to the Papacy ; Otto the Great ; International Position of the Holy Poman Empire of the German Nation; Constitution of the Empire; Territorial Claims of the Empire; Gregory YII. and the Countess Mathilda, of Tuscany; the Normans in Sicily; Frederick New IletJiods of Study in History, 47 Barbarossa and his Relations with Italy; Arnold, of Brescia; Points of Conflict between the Empire and Papacy; Fall of the Hohenstaufen Emperors; the Great Councils of the 15th Century. The Italian Renaissa:n'ce.^ Greece in the Middle Ages; Pevival of Greek Ideas in Italy ; Poggio's Study of Roman Antiquities and his Discov- ery of Classic Manuscripts; Dante's De Monarchia; Petrarch's Relation to the Revival of Learning; Boccaccio's Influence upon Literature; Laurenzo Valla and Humanism in Rome; the Platonic Academy and Humanism in Florence ; the Revival of Roman Law; Mediaeval Universities; Natural Science in the Middle Ages; Recent Vindications of Lucretia Borgia; the Political Merits of Caesar Borgia; Modern Views of Machiavelli ; Savonarola ; Lorenzo di Medici ; Alexander VI ; Julius II ; Leo X ; The Building of St. Peter's. The Geeman Reformation.^ The German Humanists, Reuchlin and IMelanchthon ; Ulrich von Hutten and Franz von Sickingen; Erasmus and ^ Bibliographies of these " Studies in Modern History by a class of under- graduates, 1879-80," were printed in the year last named under two general heads, the Italian Eenaissance and the German Reformation. They are now out of ]3rint, but are too long for a reprint here. Some idea of their character can be had from' the bibliographies printed under the head of the History of Political Economy. To Baltimore students it is an interesting fact that the same line of co-op- erative study in the history of the Italian Eenaissance has been followed by their former associate, H. W. Caldwell, and his students in the University of Nebraska. Admirable papers on "Savonarola" and "Erasmus" have been sent from Lincoln, Neb., to Baltimore for examination. It may be added, in this connection, that the courses in History under Professor George E. Howard and Instructor H. W. Caldwell, at the University of Nebraska, are among the most complete and the most modern in spirit, of any that are given in this country. The weak side, however, is insufficient attention to American history. 48 New Methods of Study in History, his Praise of Folly ; the English Humanists, Grocyn, Linacre, and John Colet ; More's Utopia ; English and German Trans- lations of the Bible ; the Ideas of Wyclif and how they came to Bohemia ; John Huss ; The Relation of Peasant Revolts to the German Reformation; Character of Luther as revealed in his Table Talk; Roman Catholic Estimates of Luther; Character of Charles V ; Character of the German Princes ; Political Elements in the German Reformation ; Protestantism in Italy ; Catholic Reformation ; Ignatius Loyola ; the Council of Trent ; the Peace of Augsburg. French and English History. — Medicevcd Period, Caesar's Conquest of Gaul ; Life in Gaul in the Fifth Cen- tury ; Monastic Life in Merovingian Gaul ; the Northmen ; Cnut and Harald Haardrada; Lanfranc and Anselm; the Bayeux Tapestry ; Domesday ; Results of the Crusades ; Origin of Feudalism; Mediaeval Cathedrals; y^^crij^form and Chronicles; Conquest of Wales ; the Coming of the Friars into England ; Law-CourtSj circa 1200, in England; the Albigenses and the Crusade against them ; Military and Religious Orders ; IMont- fort in Gascony; London in the Fourteenth Century; Robert Bruce; Life on the Roads in England in the Fourteenth Century; the Popes at Avignon; Froissart; Wyclif 's Bible; the Paston Letters; Parliamentary Antiquities in the Four- teenth and Fifteenth Centuries ; Comparison of the Characters of Louis XI, Henry VII, and Ferdinand of Aragon; the States General of 1468 and 1484; the Relations of France and Scotland in the Fifteenth Century. International Law and Politics. Another recent phase of co-operative student-lectures at the Johns Hopkins University is that represented by a class of graduates pursuing a systematic course of instruction upon the Plistorical Development of International LaAv. The instructor New Methods of Study in History. 49 considered such topics as the Intertribal and Intermunicipal Relations of the Orient (Evolution of the Family, Tribe, Village, and City ; Wars, Forays, Women Capture, Slave- Trade, and Commerce); the Intermunicipal Life of the Greeks (Federation of Demes and Cities, Hegemony, Inso- 23olity, Municipal Hospitality, Oracles, Games, Festivals, Arbitration, Leagues, Relations with Persia and Rome); Rome, the civitas mundi (imperial tendency of Roman Institutions, Roman Law, Jus Gentium, Fetiales, Treaties, Roman Manicipia, Italian Republics); International Posi- tion of the Mediaeval Church (Municipal Origin of Church Government, Papal Rome, Church and State, Church Authority, Interdicts, Councils); Origin and Tendencies of [Modern International Law (Italian Beginnings, Commercial Law of Italian Republics, Intermunicipal Relations, Invasion of Italy, Rise of the State-System, Venetian Ambassadors, Thirty Years' War, Hugo Grotius, PufFendorf, Vattel,Wheaton, Lieber, Bluntschli). In connection with this historical survey of the growth of internationality a series of historical and insti- tutional lectures was given by members of the class; and, in connection with the exposition of Bluntschli's code of the JNIodern International Law of Civilized States, a similar course of student-lectures was given on Modern International Politics. The following select titles will indicate the character and scope of the two courses. I. Historical Course. — Carthaginian Commerce; Cartha- ginian Treaties ; Grecian Economics ; Grecian City Govern- ment ; the Aristocratic Character of Roman Institutions ; the Roman Municipal System ; International Influence of Roman Ethics ; International Influence of the Church ; International Influence of Chivalry and of the Crusades ; Theories of Church and State ; Phases of City Government in Florence ; the City Government of German Free Cities and the Rhenish League ; The Hanseatic League ; the Government of the Swiss Cantons ; the Federation of Switzerland; the Estates of Holland and their Federal Relations. 7 50 Neio Methods of Study in History, II. Political Course. — The Egyptian Question ; the Inter- national Association for the Control of African Trade and the River Congo ; France in the Touquin ; the Opening of China ; Character of Chinese Diplomacy ; the Opening and recent Progress of Japan ; Relations between Germany and the Vati- can; Papal Policy in America; Who should control the Panama Canal if there were one ; International Congresses ; the Question of an International Tribunal ; the Diplomacy of the United States versus the Indians ; the Relation of Politi- cal Ethics to International Law; the Theory of a World- State ; Freedom of the Sea and of Great Rivers ; the Amer- ican Fisheries ; the Monroe Doctrine in its relation to South American Republics ; Review of the present International Relations of the United States ; the American Hog in Diplo- macy ; Bismarck's Attitude towards the United States. History of Political Economy. The following subjects were given out by the wTiter in 1879 to individual members of a class in the History of Political Economy, for private study. As far as possible original sources of information as well as the current literature on these subjects were examined by the respective appointees. After such examination the subjects were introduced for class con- sideration in the form of an oral report. The instructor usually questioned the appointee on matters connected with his report, and then discussed with the class the most inter- esting and suggestive points. A bibliography of the various subjects was prepared by the respective appointees, under supervision of the instructor, Avho worked with his students in classifying the resources of the various Baltimore libraries with reference to the topics in hand. These bibliographies were printed for class use and served a valuable purpose, although they were far from being complete. Good refer- ences were always sought after rather than mere lists of titles. In this connection, it may be remarked that one of the best New Methods of Study in History. 51 exercises for the student-investigator is to prepare as good a bibliography of his subject as the library facilities of his environment can afford. He should examine each book, monograph, or magazine article sufficiently to enable him to tell his class-mates what the same represents. The subjects of research are here enumerated with their bibliographies, as originally printed, together wdth the names of the persons who prepared them. No attempt has been made to supple- ment these lists, which could easily be done by reference to the foot-notes in Dr. Ely^s authoritative work on " French and German Socialism '^ or by reference to the new edition of Poolers index and other bibliographical aids. These lists represent a certain historic phase of our economic work with undergraduates and were prepared in Baltimore libraries. The letters H and P refer respectively to the Johns Hopkins University and Peabody libraries. Other authorities were found in private collections. 1. The Mercantile System. H. J. Bowdoin. LiTERATUKE. — 3Iun, England's treasure by foreign trade. H. P. Other English Mercantilists: Child. P. Sir W. Temple. 11. P. Steuart. H. P. Locke. P. — Roscher, Political Economy. H. Hoscher, Gesch. d. engl. volks- wirthschafts-lehre im 16 u. 17 jahrh. 3IiU, Principles of Polit. Econ. H. McCulloch, Principles of Political Economy. H. P. Blanqui, II. Ch. XXVII. H. Diet, de I'Econ. Politique, "Colbert." H. 2. The System of the Physiocrats. A. F. Ja^mieson. Literature. — Quesnay, Tableau Economique, 1758. Turgot, Peflexions sur la formation et la distrib. des richesses, 1766-78. Miraheau, the Elder, L'ami des hommes, 1755-60. Mauvillon, La monarchic Prussienne, Ency- clopedie, 1756-57. Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations (Soger's edition). H. 31. Kaufman, Socialism. Bk. II. ch. 11. H. P. Blanqui, Vol. II. H. Diet, de I'Econ. Pol., "Physiocrats." H. 3. Adam Smith and the fundamental doctrines of English Economy. Stewart Linthicum. Literature. — Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations. H. P. Blanqui, Vol. II, p. 106. H. P. Shadivell, System of Political Economy. H. Thompson, Social Science and National Economy. H. McCulloch, Principles of Political Economy. H. P. Le centenaire d'Adam Smith, Journal, des Econ., July, 1876, 62 New Methods of Study in History. V.43. H. Diet, de I'Econ. Pol. "Smith." H. Bagehot,Fovtmgh\\jB.eY., July, 1876, " Adam Smith." JSfasse, Das hmidertjiihrige jubiliium der Schrift V. Adam Smith iiber den reichthmn der nationen, Preus. Jahrbiicher, Oct. 1876. 4. St. Simon and liis School. Lee Sale. Literature. — Works of St. Simon, especially, (1) Le nonveau Christi- anisme, (2) Catechisme des Industriels. H. Lerminier, Lettres Philoso- phiques VII., Des questions soulevees par le Saint-Simonisme, Bevue des Deux Mondes, 1832. Reyhaud, Socialistes Modernes, i, H., Les Saint- Simoniens, Eev. des Deux Mondes, 1836. Janet, Saint Simon, Le fondateur du socialisme, Pev. des Deux Mondes, Apr. 15, 1876. Janet, L'ecole Saint Simonienne, Bazard et Enfantin, Eev. des Deux Mondes, Oct. 1, 1876. Hillehrand, 'Die anfange des socialismus in Frankreich, 1830-48, Deutsche Eundschau, Dec. 1878. H. Blanqui, Vol. II., ch. XLIII. H. Huber, Social- ismus u. Kommunismus, Kleine Schriften or Bluntschli's Staatsworterbuch. H. North. Brit. Eev. 1848, No. 9. Westm. Eev. Apr. 1832. Diet, de I'Econ. Pol. H. 6. Fourier's doctrines and his influence upon American Social- ism. E. C. KlCHAEDSON. Literature. — Fourier, Oeuvres completes. P. Blanqui, vol. 2, p. 258. H. J. S. Mill, Principles of Political Economy. Vol. I. pp. 274-277. H. M. Kaufman, Socialism, pp. 118-128. P. H. J. H. Noyes, History of American Socialisms. P. Parke Godwin, A popular view of the doctrines of Fourier, " Fourier," Fortnightly Eev. vol. 12, Essays 1. 2$ P. Fourierism, Christian Examiner, vol. 37, p. 57. P. Hawthorne, The Blitliedale Eomance. " Fou- rier," North Amer. Eev. Apr. 1879. Hillebrand, xinfiinge des Socialismus in Frankreich, 1830-48. Deutsche Eundschau, Dec. 1878. 6. Communism in the United States. W. R. Stricklen. Literature. — Nordhoff, Communistic Societies in the U. S. H. Historische beschreibung der wahren inspirationsgemeinschaft. The Circular (Oneida, 1854^74.) The Perfectionist (New Haven, 1834.) Handbook of the Oneida Community (N. Y., 1871.) Thomas Brown, An account of the people called "Shakers." Williams, The Harmony Society at Economy, Pa. James, Communism in America [Yale John A. Porter Prize Essay — Yale Law School.] Henry Holt & Co., 1879. H. 7. Mediaeval Craft Guilds and Modern Trades Unions. J. H. Lowe. Literature. — Clode, Memorial of the guild of the merchant-tailors in the city of London. P. Toulmin Smith, English Guilds (Early Engl. Text Soc. No. 40). H. Comte de Paris, Trades Unions in England. Endeinann, Die Neio llethods of Study in History, 63 entwickelung der handels-gesellscliaften. P. Clifford, Agricultural look-out. P. Thornton, On labor, Bk. 11. ch. 4, and Bk. III. chs. 1-5. P. Howell, Conflicts of labor and capital. H. Fortnightly Eev., vol. 6 (S. S.) Old guilds and new friendly societies, by Ludloiv. Quart. Pev. vol. 123. Trades Unions. Blackwood Mag., vols. 35, 43. North Amer. Pev. vol. 105. Howell, Contem. Pev., Oct. 1877. Chr. Meyer, Mittelalterliches u. modernes Biirger- thum, Preus. Jalirbiiclier, June, 1877. Chr. 3Ieyer, Zur gesch. d. deutsclien arbeiterstandes, Preus. Jahrbiicher, Jan. 1879, p. 26. Huber-Liebenau, Das deutsche zunftwesen im mittelalter, Samml. wis. Yortriige, 13 serie, heft. 312. Chr. Meyer, Die anfange der deutschen gewerbeverfassung, Preus. Jahrbii- cher, July, 1878. Stahl, Das deutsche handwerk u. die bedeutung der arbeiter- association in vergangenheit und gegenwart. Brentano, Hist, of Guilds. H. Schoenberg, zur wirthsch. bedeutung des deutschen zunftwesens. Trades Unions, Jour, des Econ., Oct., 1878. 8. Robert Owen and English Workingmen's Associations. K. J. Hammoxd. Literature. — Life of JRobert Owen, Phila. 1866. P. Life of Robert Owen, by himself. Lond. 1857. vol. 1. P. A supplementary appendix to vol. 1, Lond. 1858. P. The Pamphleteer, vol. 10. Robert Owen, New view of society. JSTos. 1, 2. Robert Owen, Peport to commis. of assoc. for relief of manuf. and laboring poor. P. Holyoake, Co-operation in England. P. En- cyclop. Britan., " Co-operation." H. 9. Sclmlze-Delitzch and Working Men's Associations in Ger- many for Self-help. C. E. Grammer. Literature. — llth report of trades union commissioners, pp. 165-178. By R. JD. Morier. Cooperative wholesale society report, 1873, pp. 115-117 ; 1872, p. 101. The Cooperator, JS'os. 200, 203. Works of Schulze-Bditzch (F. A. Herbig, Berlin). Lassalle, M. Bastiatu. Schulze-Delitzch. Hughes, Working classes in Europe (Atlas-Essays). H. Journal des Economistes, Vol. I. p. 7. H. Samudson, The German working man. H. Schulze-Delitzch, Sociale rechte und pflichten, Sammlung wissensehaftl. Yortriige, Vol. I. P. Meyer's Konversations Lexicon, "Schulze-Delitzch" und "Genossen- schaften." H, 10. Lassalle and German Social Democracy. G. F. Gephaet. Literature. — Lassalle's werke. Edinb. Pev., July, 1878. Nineteenth Century, Aug. and Oct. 1878; Feb. 1879. Fortnightly Pev., Feb. and March, 1879. North Amer. Pev., April, 1879. Contemporary Pev., May, 1877. Eclectic Mag., Jan. 1879. Kaufman, Socialism. Deutsche Pund- schau, Feb. and March, 1878. Zeit und Streit Fragen, heft 108. Innocenz Simplex, Glaube des socialismus. Schuster, Social Demokratie. Schaeffie, Socialismus und kapitalismus. Briefe von Ferdinand Lassalle an Carl Rodbertus Jagetzow. " Lassalle," Pevue des deux mondes, Dec. 15, 1876. 54 New Ifethods of Study in History ^ 11. Karl Marx, the Internationalists, and the Commune of Paris. T. A. Berey. Literature. — K. Marx, Das Kapital ; Kritik der polit. oekonomie. H. Annual reports of the International, published in London. Hoscher, Polit- ical Economy — See " Marx." See also Gesch, der national oekonomik. E. E. Fribourg, L'association international des travailleurs. P. Villetard, His- toire de Tinternationale, P. (Translated by S. M. Day. Kew Haven, 1874) H. Histoire de I'internationale, par un Bourgeois Eepublicain. P. Oscar Testut, L' Internationale. P. Oscar Testut, L' Internationale et le Jacobinisme, au ban de I'Europe. P. Jaeger, Der moderne socialismus u. Karl Marx. H. Jaeger, Geschichte der socialen bewegung u. des social- ismus in Frankreich. Woolsey, Political Science, Vol. I. p. 319. H. Eevue Contemporaine, A-^ol. 5, 1866, Une forme nouvelle du socialisme. P. Jour- nal des Economistes, Apr. 1875, Coup d'oeil historique sur I'internationale. H. Eev. des Deux Mondes, Sept. 1870, pp. 133-149, Le Socialisme con- temporaine en Allemagne. Fort. Rev. 1870, The international working- men's Association. North Amer. Pev., Apr., 1872, International Associa- tion. Pierotti, Decrets et rapjDorts officiels de la commune de Paris. Nation, Aug. 8, 15, 22, 1878, Socialism in Germany. Pundschau, Mar. 1879, p. 481. 12. Distinction between Nihilists, Communists, and Socialists. W. J. Thomas. Literature. — Deutsche Eundschau, Aug. 1878, Nihilismus in Russland. Nineteenth Century, May, 1877, June, 1878, Russian revolutionary litera- ture ; the social origin of Pessimism and Nihilism in Germany. Fortnightly Rev. Nov. 1, 1878, Socialism in Germany and the U. S. North British Rev., Vol. II., p. 406, Socialism. Deutsche Rundschau, Feb. 1878, Deutsch- land und der Socialismus. Rev. des Deux Mondes, 1878-9, (A series of articles on German Socialism by Laveleye). Nuova Antologia, July, 1878, II Nihilismo. Rev. des Deux Mondes, 1876-7 (series) L' empire des Tsars et les Russes. » 13. The Historical School, Socialists of the Chair, and the efforts of German professors to meet the just demands of Socialism. E. Goodman. Literature. — Knies, Die politische oekonomie vom standpunkte der geschichtlichen metliode. H. Hoscher, Principles of Political economy. H. Hildehrand, Die national oekonomie der gegenwart und zukunft. Hermann, Staatswirtlischaftliche untersuclumgen. Gncist,- Das reichsgesetz gegen die bestrebungen der socialdemokratie staatsreclitlich erortert, Holtzendorf, Die Principien der Politik. Worthnan, H. v. Treitschke und die Kathederso- cialisten. (Reprinted in Jahrl)ucher fiir Nat. oek., 16 Jahrgang, 1 Band, 1 Heft.) H. E. de Laveleye, The new tendencies of Political Economy. (In New Methods of Study in History. 55 Banker's Magazine, Feb. 8, 1878.) Schaeffle, Die quintessenz des socialismus. Block, Die quintessenz des Kathedersocialismus, Journal des Economistes, Nov. 1878. Zeit und Streit Fragen, No. 52, Las-peyres, Der Katliedersocial- ismus. Bamberger, Die culturgeschichtliche bedeutung des socialistengesetzes. Schoenherg, Die ziele und bestrebungen der socialdemokratie. Wagner, Rede liber die sociale frage. Leslie, The philosophical method of political economy, Flermathena, No. 4, P. and in his essays in Moral and Political Philosophy, H. ; Political Economy and Sociology, Fortnightly Eev. Jan., 1879. P. H. Ingram, Economic science and statistics. Journal of statistical Soc, Dec, 1878. H. P. Bagehot, Fortnightly Rev., Feb'y, 1876. Lowe, Recent attacks on Political Economy, Nineteenth Century, Nov., 1878. Held, Socialismus, Jahrb. fiir Gesetzgebung, 1 Bd., 1 Heft, 1877. H. 14. Strikes. Jesse Hay. LiTEEATUBE. — Walker, The wages question. H. Quart. Rev., Yol. 106, No. 212, and Vol. 132, No. 268. Brit. Quart. Rev., Vol. 56, No. 110. North Amer. Rev., Vol. 116, No. 238 ; Vol. 105, No. 216, No. 258. Edinb. Rev., Vol. 59, No. 120 ; and Vol. 67, No. 135. Presbyter. Quart, and Princeton Rev., Oct., 1877. Black. Mag. Vol. 79, No. 483. Western Rev., Vol. 18, No. 1 ; Vol. 20, No. 2. Goldwin Smith, Labor war in the U. S. Contem. Rev., Sept., 1877. Fried. Kapp, Der jiingste aufstand der Eisenbahnarbeiter in den vereinigten staaten, Preus. Jahrb., Oct., 1877. Bich. Vaux, Annual Report of the Secretary of Internal Affairs of the Com. of Penn Industrial Statistics, Part III. Vol. V. 1876-7, "Strikes." 15. An historical survey of the distinctive doctrines of the leading English Economists since Adam Smith. N. Palmer. Literature. — McCidloch,T\ie literature of Political Economy. P. Blanqui, Economic politique. H. Kautz, Die geschichtliche entwickelung der na- tional-oekonomik und ihrer literatur. Jevons, The future of Polit. Econ., Fort. Rev., Nov. 1, 1876. 16. The progress of economic science in the United States. A. C. Palmer. Literature. — Economic science in America. North American Rev., 1876. Kautz, Die geschichtliche entwickelung der national oekonomik. A similar co-operative course in the History of Political Economy was undertaken and is still conducted by Dr. P. T. Ely, of the Johns Hopkins University. A product of this latter course is a volume on " French and German Socialism in Modern Times/' (Harper & Brothers, 1883). The book 56 New 3fethods of Study in History. ^' is based on lectures delivered in Baltimore before the students of the Johns Hopkins University and in Ithaca before the students of Cornell University." Although strictly Dr. Ely's own work and not the work of his students, the book was written in an atmosphere of student co-operation and student inquiry in the same field. This work is now advancing along the lines of Christian Socialism and American Communism and Socialism. For the former topic Dr. Ely has obtained fresh materials from Thomas Hughes and other English sources. For the latter topic the socialistic and communistic newspapers published in this country, and the socialistic organizations that exist in some of our lara^e cities^ are fountain heads of information. On one occasion Dr. Ely took representatives of his class to hear the address given to Baltimore workingmen by Most, the German communist, and was sharply criticised by one of the German papers for so doing. But this is the true way to investigate Communism. Dr. Ely has lately given a lecture upon some of the more recent phases of American Socialism, based upon a collection of American socialistic tracts, pam- phlets and newspapers which he has been gathering for over a year. He is now preparing, with the co-operation of some of his advanced students, a monograph upon the history of political economy in the United States, and by himself, a larger work upon the history of political economy in general. Mr. Albert Shaw, one of our graduate students, prepared his monograph on " Icaria : '' a chapter in the history of American communism (soon to be published in this series) not simply by reading Nordhoft's Communistic Societies in America, but by going in person to an Icarian community in south-western Iowa, and there interviewing Jean Baptiste ^ Henry A. James, author of a Yale John A. Porter Prize Essay (1878) on "Communism in America" (New York, PI. Holt & Co., 1879), gathered material for his work by interviewing the communists in their city-haunts. A similar paper on "American Socialism" Avas jjreparecl in the same way by Mr. James for the Historical and Political Science Association of the Johns Hopkins University. New Methods of Studij in History. 57 Gerard, A. A. Marchand, and other old associates of Cabet. ISIr. Sliaw spent a week with these men. He read, in com- munistic libraries, the original French literature upon the subject of Icaria, rare tracts by Cabet ; there he had access to Frencli newspapers edited by Cabet, and to a set of the Revue Icarienne, published at Kauvoo, Illinois, that comfortable old ]\Iormon nest into which the Icarians, for a time, settled down in peace and prosperity. In those simple agrarian com- munities of our western country, Mr. Shaw found some of the now harmless factors of the Paris Commune of 1871, men of the keenest intellect and boldest ambitions, professedly still busy with their schemes and correspondence, but really vege- tating upon the broad prairies and going quietly to seed as excellent farmers and good citizens. Political Economy. In Political Economy proper, as well as in the History of Political Economy, the same method of original research and student-lectures is pursued with gratifying results. Among the graduate efforts in this department have been lectures on Predecessors of Adam Smith in England, Adam Smith, the Theory of Population, the Economic Functions of Govern- ment, the Physiocrats, Jean Baptiste Say, Bastiat, Political Economy in America previous to Henry C. Carey, the Carey School of Political Economy, American Economics since Henry C. Carey, the National Banking System, the Income Tax, the Financial History of the United States during the Civil War, effects of the reduction of the Internal Rev- enue Taxes upon the Baltimore consumer, the Financial Plistory of Baltimore, Finances of Kentucky, Finances of Pennsylvania. Among undergraduate efforts have been dis- cussions of the Formation and Growth of Capital, Pent, Wages, Interest, Bimetallism and Monometallism, Com- munistic Experiments in the United States, Independent Treasmy, Direct and Indirect Taxation. 8 a 58 New Methods of Study in History. This method of co-operative class-work in Political Economy is pursued with great success by Professor Henry C. Adams, at Cornell and Michigan Universities. The students prepare j^apers or reports on special themes connected with the regular work. The professor himself gives systematic courses of class- lectures, elementary and advanced. The elementary course, to be given this year (1884) at Cornell, "will consider the history and development of economic thought since 1550, the basis of political economy, production, exchange, and distribution. The advanced course will be upon practical economic prob- lems of the present time, among which will be the questions of free trade and the tariif. Professor Adams accepts very largely the views of the English economists on the tariff ques- tion. He will consider the analysis of international trade as compared with domestic trade, for the purpose of determining whether the principles which regulate the one apply, without modification, to the other. He will consider also the theory of protection, the theory of free trade, reciprocity, protection in its relation to public revenue, tariff legislation in the United States, the order in which modifications in the existing tariff should be undertaken, and the rapidity with which the country may, without disaster, be brought to the realization of its just policy. Professor Adams first proposes to state the problem of the tariff on both sides, then ask the student to study the various industries in the countrv to determine how far they are self-supporting and what ones need protec- tion, finishing with a few lectures on the history of the tariff in the United States."^ At Michigan University Dr. Adams has conducted similar courses and, in his Financial Seminary, has encouraged co-operative studies among his pupils, particularly in Avritiug the History of American Taxation. 'Extract from tlie letter of an Ithaca correspondent published in the New York Tribune, Feb. 13, 1884. New Ilethods of Study in History. 59 American Histoey. The same method is pursued in the study of American History by graduate students, Avho co-operate with their instructor in surveying the colonial and constitutional fields. On this home-groundj student-lectures, based upon an exam- ination of existing authorities and certain orio^inal materials, lead gradually to independent investigations and thus to sci- entific contributions to the Seminary, if not to the Univer- sity Studies in Historical and Political Science. Without quoting, in this connection, the topics in American Institu- tional and Colonial History, lately pursued by a class of grad- uate students at the Johns Hopkins University, I would call attention to the new departure^ recently made at Harvard University, in the co-operative study of American Constitu- tional History by a class of undergraduate students (Sopho- mores and Juniors) under the direction of Dr. Albert B. Hart, a former pujDil of Von Hoist's at the University of Freiburg, where Mr. Hart lately took his degree as doctor of phi- losophy. Dm'ing the present academic year at Harvard University, the instructor has given his class a systematic course of lec- tures upon the outlines of American Constitutional History. A syllabus or analysis of this course, together with a list of authorities and an elaborate system of references w^as j)re- pared by Dr. Hart and was printed by the class at its own ^ This new departure was quickened by earlier efforts. The success of Dr. Freeman Snow's course, in 1882-83, on the Constitutional and Political History of the United States was very remarkable in point of attendance. There were 163 who followed the lectures, including 1 graduate, 85 seniors, 62 juniors, 8 sophomores, 6 specials, and 1 scientific. The character of the course was of a high order, if one may judge from the published "Guide to the study of the Constitutional and Political History of the United States," (Cambridge, W. H. Wheeler, 1882-3) which was intended as the basis of the lectures and for the encouragement of private study. This outline history of the United States Constitutional History with historical references is among the most serviceable yet prepared. 60 New Methods of Study in History. expense. The lectures considered sucli preliminary conceptions as History, definitions of a constitution and characteristics of a State ; the Constitution of England at the outbreak of the Revolution; Institutions of the United States derived from England ; the Colonists, their government and relations with England, early schemes for a Union of the Colonists ; Colonial Union ; Independence ; formation of the Confederation ; con- flicts of the Confederation Vvdth the States ; weakness of the States ; proposed amendments of the articles of Confederation ; the Constitutional Union ; scope of the Constitution ; origin and nature of the Constitution ; organization of the Govern- ment; early Constitutional questions; Acts putting into effect clauses of the Constitution ; questions relating to the States ; Constitutional questions of national policy ; Washington's first Administration ; foreign relations with France and England ; the Whiskey Rebellion ; the Jay treaty ; Legislation ; Rela- tions with Spain ; Alien and Sedition Acts ; Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions; the Supreme Arbiter; interposition as a remedy for usurpation ; fall of the Federal party ; policy of the Republican party ; the Public Lands ; the Louisiana annexation. Thus far the course has advanced. The printed syllabus is significant in various ways. It represents, first and foremost, a leading mind, well-trained by a great master in American Constitutional History, and guiding the thoughts of students into the most profitable channels. It signifies in itself a clean- cut, sharply-defined, well-arranged collection of historical topics. There are divisions and sub-divisions to each general head, with references on almost every important point. The following is a conspectus of the various aspects from which the general topic of Independence was presented by the lecturer. Ab uno disce omnes. Independence. 1. Early Suggestions. — Chalmer's charge. Froth. 154 n. — Denied by the colonists. John Adanis X, 394. — Foreign New Methods of Study in History. 61 predictions. De Witfs Jefferson^ 40, 408 ; Froth. — Censured up to 1775. Von Hoist 1,2. 2. Prepaeatory Steps. 1775. May 31. Mecklenburg Resolutions. Froth. 42^ n. Xov. 3. Advice to jN^. H. to form a gov't. Froth. 447-8. 1776. Mar. 23-Ma7 14. Instr. of six states. Froth. 528, 499-511. May 15. Congress adopts tlie principle of indepen- dence. J". C. II, 160, 166, 174. June 11-21. Committee to draft. Froth. 513-17. Further instructions. Froth. 521-30. July 4. Declaration of Independence. 3. Nature axd Bearixg. a. Statement of certain "Self-evident truths." Vast influ- ence, but no legal, binding force. h. Statement of grievances. Ex-parte. c. Statement of the independence and sovereignty of the colonies : a political fact, not yet proved. d. The achievement of the whole for all. Story, § 211. Xew State Goyerxmexts. Texts in Cliarters and Consfs. 1775. "Transylvania." Froth. 444. 1776. Jan. 5. JST. H. J. C. I. 231 ; Froth. 493, 567. Mar. 26. S. C. J. C. L 235 ; Froth. 494. May 4. R. I. Froth. 565. — (May or June) Conn. June 29. Ya. J. C. I, 279 ; Froth. 511-12. July 2. N. J. Froth. 564. Mass. J. a I, 115; Froth. 428, 441, 491, 506. Sept. 26. Del. Froth. 504. Sept. 28. Pa. Am. Archives V, ii, 54; Froth. 565. Oct. 18. N. C. Fr. 566. Nov. 8. Md. Froth. 564. 1777. ApL20. KY. i^rof/i. 451, 566.— Yt. J/cJ/. 7, 347. 62 New Methods of Study in History. Unioit older than the States. Three theories. 1. Particularist view. Calhoun I, 190. 2. Temporary alliance view. Jefferson in Von Hoist I, 7 n. 3. JN^ational view. Lincoln in Cong. Globe, 1861, Spec. Sess. App. Every student in the class is expected to consult at least one of the authorities mentioned in connection with each head- ing printed in small capitals. The other references are merely recommended. Islv. Hart writes that he encourages the preparation of theses, suggests subjects to those who ask for them, and explains the best methods of work. The fol- lowing topics for original research have been undertaken by members of the class in American History, in co-operation with the class-course given by the instructor. Such under- graduate work as this lies upon the borders of the Seminary method and will lead to the most advanced lines of study : Hamilton as a ^N'ew York Politician ; Madison in Virginia Politics; Jefferson as a Virginia Politician; Influence of James Wilson in the Federal Constitution ; History of the Nomination of Presidential Candidates ; the Relation of the President to his advisers ; Encroachments on the Executive Power ; History of Amendments to the Constitution ; Instruc- tion of Senators; Schemes of Disunion before 1860; Schemes for the Annexation of Cuba ; Sales of Public Lands ; History of the Debt of the U. S. ; History of the Internal Revenue of the U. S. ; Repudiation of State Debts; the Disposition of Surplus Revenue ; Railroad Land Grants ; Banking Systems in the U. S.; International Relations of the Colonies; Fries' Insurrection ; Dorr Rebellion ; Campaigns of Jacob Brown ; French Spoliation Claims; Spanish Treaty of 1819; Slave Insurrections ; Fugitive Slave Cases ; Slavery in the Free States ; the Slave Trade ; History of State Boundaries. Mr. Hart has printed a few suggestions for thesis writers which deserve circulation among all friends of good historical methods. New Methods of Study in History. 63 Suggestions for Thesis Writers. 1. Be sure you are willing to do the necessary woek. 2. Select a subject wliicli interests you, if possible in a lim- ited field, but over a long period. 2. Begin by noting the chief authorities. a. Furnished by the instructor. h. In Poolers Index, c. In the Subject Catalogue. Write the title, author (with initials), place and date. 4. Have a system of xote taking. a. Note only one subject on each j)iece of paper. b. ]S[ote the authority for each quotation or abstract, vol- ume and page. c. Preferably use loose sheets, arranging as you go. 5. From the general authorities, make out a synopsis of the chief points which are to be studied, observing : a. ^New authorities and references for extension of details ; h. Chronological development ; c. Salient sub-heads of your subject. 6. Extend the details which appear to you to need further examination. If necessary make synopses of the sub-heads. ]\Iake references for other sub-heads, but abstract them later. 7. Arrange your sheets of notes in a logical form, sub-heads under main heads. Choose between chronological, or topical arrangement, or a combination. 8. Compose the thesis. a. First settling the proportions. h. Introducing striking quotations. c. Giving exact references for all important statements of fact. 9. Add a bibliography of authorities with brief remarks on the bearing of the most important. 64 New Methods of Study in History. 4.— THE SEMINAEY METHOD. Tlie Seminar ium, like the college and the university, is of ecclesiastical origin. Historically speaking, the seminary was a nursery of theology and a training-school for seminary priests. The modern theological seminary has evolved from the mediaeval institution, and modern seminary-students, whether at school or at the university, are only modifications of the earlier types. The Church herself early began the process of differentiating the ecclesiastical seminary for the purposes of secular education. Preachers became teachers, and the propaganda of religion prepared the way for the pro- paganda of science. The seminary method of modern univer- sities is merely the development of the old scholastic method of advancing philosophical inquiry by the defence of original theses. The seminary is still a training-school for doctors of philosophy ; but it has evolved from a nursery of dogma into a laboratory of scientific truth. A young American, Professor of Greek at Dartmouth College, John Henry Wright, in an admirable address on the Place of Original Kesearch in College Education, explains very clearly the transitional process from the theological seminary to the scientific seminary. ^'The seminaries were instituted that theological students, Avho expected to teach on the way to their profession, might receive special pedagogical training in the subjects in which they would be called upon to give instruction in the schools. As the subject-matter of liberal instruction was mainly the languages and literatures of Greece and Rome, the seminaries became philological in character. Tlie first seminary that actually assumed the designation of philological was that founded at Goettiugen in 1733, by Gesner the famous Latinist. This seminary has been, in many respects, the model for all later ones." ^ ^ An address on The Place of Oriojinal Research in College Education, by- John Henry Wright, Associate Professor of Greek in Dartmouth College, New Methods of Study in History. 65 The transformation of the Seminarium into a laboratory of science was first accomplished more than fifty years ago by Germany's greatest historian, Leopold von Ranke. He was born in the year 1795 and has been Professor of History at the University of Berlin since 1825. There, about 1830, he instituted those practical exercises in historical investigation [exereitationes historieae) which developed a new school of historians. Such men as Waitz, Giesebrecht, Wattenbach, Von Sybel, Adolph Schmidt, and Duncker owe their methods to this father of historical science. Through the influence of these scholars, the historical seminary has been extended throughout all the universities in Germany and even to insti- tutions beyond German borders. Let us consider a few sem- inary types. Heidelberg Seminaries. At the university of Heidelberg, as elsewhere in Germany, there are seminaries for advanced training in various depart- ments of learning, chiefly, however, in jDhilology and in other historical sciences. The philological seminary, where the use of the Latin language for formal discussion is still maintained at some universities, is perhaps the connecting link between mediaeval and modern methods of scholastic trainins:. In the Greek seminary of the late Professor Koechly, at Heidelberg the training was pre-eminently pedagogical. The members of the seminary took turns in occupying the Professor's chair for one philological meeting, and in expounding a classical author by translation and comment. After one man had thus made trial of his abilities as an instructor, all the other members read before the National Educational Association, Department of Higher Instruction, July 14, 1882, Saratoga, JSF. Y. From the Transactions, 1882. This address and Prof. E. Emerton's recent contribution on " The Historical Seminary in American Teaching," to Dr. G. Stanley Hall's volume on Methods of Teaching and Studying History, are the best American author- ities on the Seminary Method. 9 QQ New Methods of Study in History, , took turns in criticising his performance, the Professor judging the critics and saying what had been left unsaid. In the historical seminary of Professor Erdmannsdoerffer, the method was somewhat different. It was less formal and less pedagogical. Instead of meeting as a class in one of the university lecture-rooms, the historical seminary, composed of only six men, met once a week in a familiar way at the Professor's own house, in his private study. The evening's exercise of two hours consisted in the critical exposition of the Latin text of a mediaeval historian, the Gesta Frederici Imper- atoris, by Otto, Bishop of Freising, who is the chief original authority upon the life and times of Frederic Barbarossa. As in the Greek seminary, so here, members took turns in con- ducting the exercises, which, however, had less regard for pedagogical method than for historical substance. Each man had before him a copy of the octavo edition of Bishop Otto's text, and the conductor of the seminary translated it into German, with a running comment upon the subject matter, which he criticised or explained in the light of parallel citations from other authors belonging to Bishop Otto's time, who are to be found in the folio edition of Pertz's jilonumenta Germaniae Hlstorica. From this method of conducting the seminary, it would appear as though one man had all the work to do for a single evening, and then could idly listen to the others until his own turn came once more. But it was not so. Subjects of dis- cussion and for special inquiry arose at every meeting, and the Professor often assigned such subjects to the individuals most interested, for investigation and report. For example, he once gave to an American student the subject of Arnold of Brescia, the Italian reformer of the twelfth century, who was burnt to death in Rome in 1155, having been delivered up to the pope by Frederic Barbarossa. Tlie investigation of the authorities upon the life-work of this remarkable reformer, the precursor of Savonarola and of Luther, occupied the student for many weeks. On another occasion, Seminary dis- New 3fethods of Study in History. 67 cnssion turned upon the origin of the Italian Communes, whether thev were of Roman or of Germanic origin. An American student, who had been reading Guizot's view upon the origin of municipal liberty, ventured to support the Roman theory. The Professor referred the young man to Carl HegeFs work on the Constitution of Italian Cities and to the writino;s of Von Maurer. That line of investigation has occupied the American student ever since 1876, and the present work of the historical seminary at the Johns Hopkins University is to some extent the outgro\^i;h of the germ brought to Baltimore from the Heidelberg seminary. Bluntschli's Seminary. As an illustration of seminary -work, relating more esj^ec- ially to modern history and modern politics, may be mentioned the private class conducted for two hours each week in one of the university rooms by the late Dr. J. C. Bluntschli, professor of constitutional and international law at Heidelberg. In his seminarv, the exercises were in what mio^ht be called the com- parative constitutional history of modern European states, with special reference to the rise of Prussia and of the new German empire. Bluntschli himself always conducted the meetings of the seminary. Introductory to its special work, he gave a short course of lectures upon the history of absolute government in Prussia and upon the influence of French and English constitutional reforms upon Belgium and Germany. He then caused the seminary to compare in detail the Belgian constitution of 1830 with the Prussian constitution of 1850. Each member of the seminary had before him the printed texts, which were read and compared, while Bluntschli com- mented upon points of constitutional law that were suggested by the texts or proposed by the class. After some weeks' dis- cussion of the general principles of constitutional government, the seminary, under Bluntschli's skilful guidance, entered upon a special and individual study of the relations between 68 New Methods of Study in History. church and state^ in the various countries of Europe, but with particular reference to Belgium and Prussia, which at that time were much disturbed by conflicts between the civil and the ecclesiastical power. Individual members of the seminary reported the results of their investigations, and interesting discussions always followed. The result of this seminary- work was an elaborate monograph by Bluntschli himself upon the legal responsibility of the Pope, a tractate which the Ultramontane party thought inspired by Bismarck, but which really emanated from co-operative studies by master and pupils in the Heidelberg seminary. Seminary of Political Economy. At Heidelberg a seminary in political economy is conducted by Professor Knies, who may be called the founder of the historical method as applied to this department. His work on Politische-oekonomie vom Standpunkt der geschichtlichen Methode was published in 1853 and ante-dates the great work of Koscher by one year. The seminary method encouraged by Knies consists chiefly in the reading and discussion of original papers by his pupils upon assigned topics. The latter were sometimes of a theoretical but quite frequently of an historical character. I remember that such topics as Turgot's economic doctrines were often discussed. The various theories of wealth, from the French mercantilists and physiocrats down to Henry C. Carey, were examined. The meetings of the seminary were held every week and Avere not only of the greatest service in point of positive instruction, but also, in every way, of a pleasant, enjoyable character. Men learned to know one another as well as their professor. A most valuable feature of the seminaries in political science at Heidelberg was a special library, quite distinct from the main university library. Duplicate copies of the books that were in greatest demand were at the service of the seminary. New Methods of Study in History. 69 The Historical Seminary at Bonn.^ The object of this seminary, as of all German historical seminaries, is to introduce special students to the best methods of original research. The Bonn seminary is one of the most flourishing in all Germany. It is an endowed institution. It was instituted in the year 1865 and enjoys the income of a legacy of forty thousand marks left it by Professor Wilhelm Piitz. The income is devoted to three stipends, each of about 600 marks, for students of history and geography who have successfully pursued one or both • of these sciences for two years. Said stipends are awarded annually by the philosoph- ical faculty upon recommendation by the director of the sem- inary. It is said that a student of Bonn university has a better chance of obtaining such stipend than does a candidate from outside. In addition to this endowment of ten thousand dollars, the Bonn seminary of history is allowed a special appropriation, in the annual university budget, for general expenses, for increasing the seminary library, and for the director's extra salary. Any unused balance from the fund devoted to general expenses is expended for library purposes. The historical seminary of Bonn has now four sections, each under the guidance of a professor, representing a special field of history. The four professors constitute a board of control for the entire seminary. The director is appointed from year to year, the four professors rotating in the executive office. The student membership for each section is restricted to twelve. The meetings occur once a week, from 5 to 7 o'clock in the evening. All members are expected to be present, although no individual student makes more than one contribution during a semester. Members are subject to expulsion by the board of control for failure to discharge any obligations, for inadequate work, or for mis-use of the library. ^ See L'Universite cle Bonn et Tenseignenient superieur en AUemagne, par Edmond Dreyfus-Brisac, (editor of the Eevue international de I'enseigne- ment). " Les Seminaires." 70 New Methods of Study in History. The library consisted, in 1879, of 308 works, and was kept in the charge of one of the members of the seminary. Among the books noticed by Dreyfus-Brisac, at the the time of his visit, were the Monumenta Germaniae Historica, Fragmenta Historicorum Grsecornm, Corpns Inscriptionnm Latinarum, Corpus Inscriptionnm Atticarum, the complete works of Luther, the Annales Ecclesiastici edited by Baronius, Corpus Scriptorum Historiae Byzantinae, Muratori's Script ores Rerum Italicarum, The Glossary of JNIedi^eval Latin, by Ducange, a set of Sybel's Historische Zeitschrift, Forschungen (Munich), the writings of Curtius, M'ommsen, Ranke, Sybel, etc. Dreyfus-Brisac mentions other seminaries at Bonn Univer- sity, notably that of the late Professor Held in Political Economy, held privately in his own house, and the pedagog- ical seminary of Bona-Meyer. The observing, critical French- man says that he knoAvs of nothing more remarkable in German educational methods, nothing more worthy of imita- tion, than the seminaries of Bonn. An American Student on German Seminaries. Dr. Charles Gross,^ an American student who has recently taken the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Goettingen in the department of History, with the highest honors, and who is now studying English Municipal History in the British Museum, has written by request the followkig account of Ger- man historical seminaries, in which he has had long and varied experience : '' The German historical seminary aims to inculcate the scientific method. It is the workshop in ^ Dr. Gross jiresented for his doctor's dissertation at Goettingen a thesis on the Gilda Mercatoria, an important contribution to English municipal history, originally suggested by the late Professor Pauli. The subject has an interesting bearing upon the mercliant associations, which furnished men, capital, and government for the English colonies in America. Dr. Gross is now writing an Introduction to American Municipal liistory, to be published in this series. New Methods of Study in History. 71 which the experienced master teaches his young apprentices the deft use of the tools of the trade. In the lecture room the professor presents the results of his investigations; in the Seminar (or Uehimgen) he shows just what he had to do in order to secure those results. The German student lays far more stress upon his seminar than upon his lectures. He may " cut ^^ the latter for weeks at a time^ while he is very assidu- ous in his attendance upon the former. The latter may be obtained from books or from the Heft of some more conscien- tious student ; but the scientific method, the German maintains, is the gift of time and the seminary only, — the result of long contact between the mind of the master and the mind of the disciple. ^' Two different kinds of work predominate in the German historical seminary : the writing of short theses [Kleine Arheiten) or the critical reading of some document or documents, more frequently of some chronicler or chroniclers. The professor selects a list of subjects for theses from the field of his special line of investigation and assigns them to the students, the latter's particular tastes being generally consulted. A mem- ber of the seminary rarely has more than one thesis during the semester, frequently not more than one during the year, and during his first two or three semesters none at all. The professor points out the sources and authorities, and the student consults with him whenever difficulties arise in the preparation of the work. One or two critics {Referenten) are appointed for each thesis, who comment upon the production after it has been read. A free discussion of the subject then follows, the professor and students doing all in their power to show the utter lack of Wissenschaft in the author's method. ^^As regards the other element of seminary work, viz., crit- ical reading of some chronicler, to each student is assigned a certain portion of the text, which, — with the aid, if neces- sary, of other contemporaneous sources pointed out to him by the professor — he is expected to treat in accordance with the canons of historical criticism, the other students commenting ad libitum. 72 New Methods of Study in History, " N"ow these two elements are variously combined in differ- ent Seminars. Generally both are carried on side by side, an hour perhaps being taken up with the thesis and the other hour of the session with some text. (That, e. g., is the plan of Prof. Bresslau of Berlin). Sometimes the seminary is divided into two sections, one for the Kleine Arheiten and the other for the critical manipulation of some chronicler (e. g. Giese- brecht's Seminar in Munich). Sometimes one of the two ele- ments is excluded (v. Noorden in Berlin had no theses in my day ; Droysen nothing but theses). Sometimes the students are not required to do any work at all, the professor simply commenting upon some text for an hour or two. (That was Weizsacker's and Pauli's method).'^ Paul rR]6DERicQ on German Lectures and Historical Seminaries. One of the best accounts of German university instruction in history is that given by Paul Fr^dericq, Professor in the University of Liege, Belgium. He made two excursions to German university-centres in the years 1881 and 1882, and published a most instructive article in the Revue de V instruction publique [superieur et moyenne) en Belgique, in 1882. The article is entitled, De V enseignement superieur de Vliistoire. ^ It will probably be soon translated for publication in America. M. Fr6dericq visited Berlin, Halle, Leipzig, and Goettingen. He describes, in a pleasant way, the various lectures that he attended, the professors he met, and the methods that he learned. To one acquainted with life at the Berlin university, its profes- sors of history, and its lecture-courses, M. Fredericq^s picture seems almost perfect. One sees again, in fancy, Heinrich von ' Another good authority upon the subject of German seminaries is M. Charles Seignobos, of Dijon, France, in his critical article on 1' enseignement dc I'histoire dans les universitds allemandes, published in the Revue interna- tionale de I' enseignement, June 15, 1881. Cf. pp. 578-589. New Methods of Study in History, 73 TreitscLke, tlie brilliant publicist and eloquent orator, with bis immense audiences, everyone of them an enthusiastic seminary of Prussian Politics. The following felicitous sketch of Gustav Droysen will be appreciated by all who have seen that distin- guished professor in the Katheder : '^ Je le vols encore, tenant en main un petit cahier de notes a converture bleue et accoud6 sur un grossier pu^Ditre carr^, exhausse au moyen d'une allonge, qui se dressait a un demi-m^tre au-dessus ' de la chaire. II commen9a a mi-voix, a la maniere des grands predicateurs francais, afin d'obtenir le silence le plus complet. On aurait entendu voler une mouche. Penche sur son petit cahier bleu et promenant sur son auditoire des regards penetrants qui peryaient les verres de ses lunettes, il parlait des falsifications dans I'histoire. ... A chaque instant une plaisanterie tr^s r^ussie, toujours mordante et aceree, faisait courir un sourire discret sur tons les bancs JY admiral la verve caustique, la clart6 et la nettete des apercus, ainsi que I'habilete consomm^e avec laquelle le professeur lisait ses notes, de maniere a faire croire a une improvisation." The historical seminary conducted by Professor Droysen is one of the best at the University of Berlin. Although Professor Fredericq failed to obtain access to tMs seminary as well as to that of Mommsen's, being told gu' on y exercait une critique si sevb^e, si hnpitoyable que la presence d^un etranger Hait impossible, yet he quotes in a work^ more recent than the article above mentioned the observations made in 1874 by his colleague. Professor Kurth, of Liege: "JM. Droysen, dans sa Societe liistorique, tient aux travaux ecrits, parce qu^ ils semblent donner plus de consistance aux etudes et que c'est quelque chose qui reste; ils fournissent plus facilement I'objet d'une discussion, ils font mieux apprecier le degr^ de force d^une 6l^ve ainsi que ses aptitudes scientifiqes; enfin, ils permettent ^ De I'enseignement superieur de Tliistoire en Belgique, XY. Published as an introduction to the Travaux du Cours Pratique d'BQstoire National de Paul Fredericq. [Gand et La Have, 1883.] 10 74 New 3fethods of Study in History. a ses condisciples de profiter mieux de son travail. La correc- tion de celui-ci en effet, est coniiee a un autre eleve qui^ sous les auspices du professeur, en critique les erreurs et le discute dans la reunion suivante avec Fauteur; de la, des controverses souvent animees, auxquelles chaque assistant pent prendre part, et qui ofPrent I'aspect d^une veritable vie scientifique/^ M. Fredericq describes with evident pleasure the privilege he enjoyed, through the courtesy of George Waitz, in being admitted to the latter 's seminary, held every Wednesday evening, for two hours, in his own house. The seminary consisted ' of nine students. They were seated at two round tables, which were loaded with books. The students had at command the various chronicles relating to the times of Charles Martel. The exercise consisted in determining the points of a2:reement and disa