AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF DR. CALDWELL.




                   INTRODUCTION.

History-Meaning of the term-Autobiography-Its difficulties-Egotism-False
  modesty-Reasons for writing-Early companions-Books his real companions-
  Qui docet, diecit-Exercise-Civility-Young Americans abroad-Trial of civility
  in London-Pleasures of retrospection-No accidental act-Disinterestedness-
  Attachments-Natives of the United States and Great Britain compared-Abbe
  St. Pierre and Franklin.-Nature makes few great men, training many-Priestley
  -Ambition-Love of mental contest not a good habit.

  FEW words in the English language have been so variously
interpreted as the term history. Yet so general is its use, and so
high its importance, that none deserves to be more accurately
defined, and, in its meaning, more exactly understood. Without
such definiteness and precision, more or less of mistake and dis-
order, if not of actual confusion and contradiction, must occur in
the productions of the clearest thinkers, and the ablest and most
accomplished speakers and writers, that express themselves on
the subject.
  The term history is of Greek origin, and is derived from a
word which signifies, according to the different purposes for
which it is employed on different occasions, a witness, a judge, or
an umpire.
  Retaining, in all cases, therefore, a sufficient remnant of its
original and literal meaning to serve for the recognition of its
sameness, it has been defined, according to the views and objects
of the several writers, who have spoken of it to that -effect, a
narrative of events-a witness of the times-the light or lamp of
truth-the remembrancer and teacher of life-and the messenger
of antiquity.
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