Historiography; a bibiography

Diagnostic criteria ofsyphilis, yaws and treponarid (treponematoses) and of some other diseases in dry bones (for use in osteo-archaeology), Berlin, Methods of diagnosing or denying syphilis in ancient bones is of vital significance for the interpretation of the early history of syphilis. Dr. Hackett has taken the first essential step, which is the establishment of diagnostic criteria of syphilis in dry bones found in present-day museums of pathology, using macroscopic appearances only. He provides the archaeologist and anthropologist with a comprehensive guide, and with the data he presents osteo-archaeologists will be able to compare or contrast their ancient specimens in an attempt to reach a precise diagnosis. Moreover, as Dr. Hackett suggests, it revives "the dying skill of diagnosis of disease in dry bones". His introduction is an excellent brief survey of current ideas on the origins of syphilis. This is an important publication, because it introduces precision into a previously imprecise field, and will lead the way to much more accurate assessment of osteo-archaeological material, and eventually, it is to be hoped, to a solution of the origin of the syphilis enigma. Although on a medical topic, this book is intended primarily for the historian of art and the manuscript expert. It contains forty-eight coloured illustrations and 243 in black and white taken from manuscripts and depicting the factors influencing health: air; food and drink; movement and rest; sleep and wakefulness; elimination and retention of humours; joy and anger, fear and distress. These must be carefully balanced, for herein lies the secret of health; if they are unbalanced illness occurs. There is a long introduction with detailed discussions of the extant manuscripts in Liege, Paris, Vienna, Rome, and Rouen, taking into account bibliographical and artistic aspects. There is, however, no account of the medical theories the illustrations are depicting and without it readers will have difficulty in interpreting the legends. Nevertheless this is a book of high quality production and with this in mind the price is not excessive. A guide to the widespread and voluminous writings on historiography (usually taken to mean the study of the processes of historical inquiry) has long been needed, and this bibliography is therefore most welcome. There are four sections: 'Theories of history'; 'Historiography'; 'Historical methods'; and a brief listing of reference works. It is, however, intended as only a starting-point to a vaster literature. Like so many American accumulations these days, there …