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nydus/Introduction to the study of historyPublic
Page 375 of 400
Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF HISTORY

  1. [142] The method of extracting information on external facts from a writer's conceptions forms part of the theory of constructive reasoning. See book iii.
  2. [143] For example, Père de Smedt, Tardif, Droysen, and even Bernheim.
  3. [144] Descartes, who came at a time when history still consisted in the reproduction of pre-existing narratives, did not see how to apply methodical doubt to the subject; he therefore refused to allow it a place among the sciences.
  4. [145] Fustel de Coulanges himself did not rise above this kind of timidity. With reference to a speech attributed to Clovis by Gregory of Tours, he says: "Doubtless we are unable to affirm that these words were ever pronounced. But, all the same, we ought not to affirm, in contradiction to Gregory of Tours, that they were not.... The wisest course is to accept Gregory's text" (Monarchie franque, p. 66). The wisest, or rather the only scientific course, is to admit that we know nothing about the words of Clovis, for Gregory himself had no knowledge of them.
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