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By this science, of which History forms a part, we trace the nature of man, age after age,—his capacities, his abilities; we learn where he succeeds, where he fails, and what his possibilities may be.

From another point of view the subject should be considered; it gives a more truly “liberal education” than any other subject, as at present taught. A complete archaeological training would require a full knowledge of history and art, a fair use of languages, and a working familiarity with many sciences. The one-sided growth of modern training, which produces a B.A. who knows nothing of natural science, or else a B.Sc. who knows nothing of human nature, is assuredly not the ideal for a reasonable man. Archaeology,—the knowledge of how man has acquired his present position and powers—is one of the widest studies, best fitted to open the mind, and to produce that type of wide interests and toleration which is the highest result of education.

Though this volume is a book of reference for those engaged in actual work, yet it will also serve to give the public a view of the way in which this work is done, the mode in which results are obtained, the ends which are pursued, and the important questions which must be considered. We have nothing here to do with the details of the facts discovered; but deal only with the methods and aims, which have been slowly learned in a quarter of a century. Yet every year there are fresh methods to add, and more clear views of the aims; and far more might easily have been said about each of the subjects here discussed.