GENEALOGY

a systematical account of origin, descent, and relations of families; a pedigree; founded on idea of a lineage or family. Ancient g’s often supply information respecting tribal subdivision and interrelation. Study of g. is an aid to hist. science, but most old g’s require interpretation and criticism of a close nature. Biblical] g’s, for instance, besides their complexity, often contain manifest improbabilities and inconsistencies. Similarly many g’s of ancient Gk. and Rom. ilies are untrustworthy. Owing their origin often to a desire to trace divine descent, or to prove continuity of race, they are in some cases pure fabrication. Then again, the frequent resort to well recognized practice of adoption amongst’ the ancients was an almost insuperable barrier to po ibility of a correct g. Study of g. grew in importance in Middle Ages, when nobility was distinct from other cla es and monopolized certain Offices, eligibility for which depended largely on descent. In modern times, importance of g. is largely due to laws of inheritance, and desire to a ert privileges of a hereditary aristocracy. Private g’s are a comparatively late development of the art of into prominence in England during time of Edward ITTI.’s claim to Fr. crown, and during rivalry between Yorkists and Lancastrians. From XVI. cent. onwards g’s are numerous. Work of genealogist is not always free from taint of inaccuracy and forgery, but is now largely in hands of antiquaries, whose researches are of enormous value to historian. Of late the study has made rapid strides, more material having been made available by publication of parish registers, marriage-license allegations, monumental inscriptions, ete.