Six years ago I had the pleasure of reading a paper “On the Possibility of a strictly Scientific Treatment of Universal History,” and that which was at that time a mere aiggestion, has since become a firm conviction, based on indefatigable study, and the collection of innumerable facts.

When called upon at the first meeting of the Council of the Royal Historical Society this session, to read an inaugural paper before the Fellows, I thought I could not do better than bring this conviction before you, so as, if possible, to make it your own.