Eighteenth and early nineteenth century historiograph-
ers enjoyed in some important respects a larger amount
of independence than their modern colleagues. To-day the
historian finds before him traditional, widely accepted con-
ceptions of all important historical periods; it requires a
high degree of self-confidence and intrepidity to impugn
views sanctioned by the recognized masters of the craft.
Furthermore, in his investigations he is expected to observe
rules of research which, at least in their stricter forms, were
unknown to his more remote predecessors. The eighteenth
century historian had far greater opportunities to experi-
ence the past as his own genius directed him. He could
pick out his own field in the large tracts of still inadequate-
ly explored land. He was free to carry on his investigations
as he saw fit provided he observed the not very high stan-
dard of accuracy then demanded. Thus, most historical
works of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century have
a more personal tone than modern works on similar sub-
jects.

The conception of history of most Enlightenment histo-
rians forms but a subordinate part of an all-embracing, co-
herent and well-arranged system of thought; furthermore,

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