The Rules of Evidence as Applicable to the Credibility of History #265133

But history deals with general rather than particular facts — with,results,rather than details — and from the nature and necessity, of the case must be content with looser modes of proof, than is necessary or expedient in judicial trials. All that we are entitled to ask from her is such an amount of evidence for the truth of the facts which she records as would satisfy. The understanding of a reasonable man in the ordinary affairs of life. Every day We act upon evidence which, if offered in apourt of justice, would be rejected. Too often we act. Upon; very, slight and insufficient evidence, especially in cases affecting the character of others; but in so far as we do this we act wrongly; and in the same manner. We act wrongly when we accept as true the mere statement of a historian on any question where truth is of importance, when we have it in our power to examine his authorities and judge of their value for ourselves.