L The admitted excellence of the book renders an apology for its translation unnecessary, but an extract from the authors preface respecting the nature and purpose of the work may not be out of place.

The present Epitome, which now appears in a seventh edition, enlarged and improved, is intended, in the first place, for use by the upper classes in higher educational institutions, as a guide or handbook in the historical class- room.

The handy arrangement of the book and the elaborate index are in- tended to adapt it for private use, and to facilitate rapid acquisition of informa- tion concerning historical matters which have, for the moment, escaped the memory.

I have endeavored to give everywhere the assured results of recent histor- ical investigation, adding, as far as possible, references to my authorities.

The exposition of ancient history is based upon the works of Duncker, Curtius, Mommsen, and Peter.