istorical "material" of all kinds?

IV. _Conceptions of the Purpose and Content of History._[1]

1. As polite literature: the Greek and Roman idea, e.g., Herodotus,
Thucydides, Xenophon, Livy, Sallust, Caesar, Tacitus.

2. As annals and chronicles only: the Mediaeval idea, e.g., Gregory of
Tours, Froissart, Einhard.

3. As a basis for governmental policies and as a means of interpreting
literature: the Renaissance idea, e.g., Machiavelli, Petrarch,
Boccaccio.

4. As a basis for theological dogma and religious practices: the
Reformation idea, e.g., Luther, Melanchthon, and the Jesuits.

5. As a basis for interpreting legal institutions and practices: the
idea of the 17th century, e.g., the Jurists.

6. As a foundation for philosophical speculation and a means of
discovering the deeper influences that affect humanity and hence
influence action and produce events: the idea of the 18th century,
e.g., Voltaire and Montesquieu. [Voltaire held that human nature is the
same under all circumstances and at all times, and hence sought to
judge historical events by abstract universal standards. The "natural
man" was his ideal man. Montesquieu, in _The Spirit of the Laws_,
sought to show that events in history are but the manifestation of
spiritual law, as revealed in conditions of climate, geography, soil,
natural resources, racial temperament, etc.]

7. As a foundation for personal reactions, e.g., criticisms,
interpretation, moralizing, personal philosophizing, or as mere facts
entertainingly told: the idea of the early 19th century.

8. History as science, i.e., as explanatory of existing social
institutions, customs, beliefs: the idea of the 20th century.

[1] The fundamental purpose of historical writing has ever been
the recording of events. In addition, however, different ages
have stressed other aims.

V. _Some Notable Influences and Persons that have modified the
Conception of the Meaning of History in the Last Century._

1. Romantic School (late 18th century and early 19th century), with its
deep reverence for the Middle Ages. Hence sympathetic treatment of
history.

2. Herder (1744-1803), with his philosophy of "becoming" or
development. Herder sought to show that all events are but the
manifestation of a deity striving to work out an ideal universe. Hence
all events must be judged by the standards of the time and country in
which they appear, i.e., be judged by the cha