In the Years 1819–20 and 21.
“_It has been very justly observed that there is a certain maturity of
the human mind acquired from generation to generation, in the_
MASS, _as there is in the different stages of life in the_
INDIVIDUAL _man;—What is history when thus philosophically
studied, but the faithful record of this progress? pointing out
for our instruction the various causes which have retarded or
accelerated it in different ages and countries._”
_Historical Introduction, p. 4._