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history.
551
culture to be primaeval and the source of the civilization of other countries.
This hypothesis, which he presented with real enthusiasm and great scientific
method, created considerable attention and was defended by several subsequent
writers. — Purely historical study was at this time comparatively retrograde.
Yet, two foreigners in the Swedish service, both national historians, deserve
mention here, viz., B. P. von Chemnitz (1605—78) and S. von Pufendorf (1632
—94). They wrote lengthy works on the Thirty Years’ War, and Pufendorf
— the superior of the two — who was known also as a prominent authority
on international law, wrote, besides, the history of Charles X, a work provided
with excellent copper plates after the drawings of the celebrated Erik Dahlberg
(1625-—1703). A living interest in the collection and publication of original
historical documents was, moreover, a characteristic of the time. J. Hadorph
(1630—93) and J. Peringskiöld (1654—1720) are representatives of this
movement, Political science began to be studied with success.
0. von Dalin (1708—63) was commissioned by the Estates to prepare "Svea
rikes historia" (The History of Sweden), a work which, by its artistic style,
greatly contributed towards spreading interest in history. Greater than Dalin, as
a scientific writer, was the learned S. Lagerbring (1707—87), who described
medieval times in Sweden with a critical spirit and a greater use of foreign
anthorities than his predecessors. By numerous and detailed investigations he
created a taste for special researche and attracted disciples. Interest in collecting
original documents continued: as a representative of it may be mentioned A. A. von
Stiernman (1695—1765). The official historian, A. Schönberg (1737 — 1811),
distinguished himself by thorough investigation as well as by the clearness and
succinctness of his presentation of facts. — At the end of the century, J.
Hallenberg (1748—1834) presented, for his day, a masterly picture of the history of
Gustavus Adolphus (up to 1626). Memoir-literature was especially popular and
abundant in the time of Gustavus III (1771—92) and during the beginning of
the 19th century. Local history and the history of culture also received the
attention of many authors.
Among the historians of the 19th century, E. G. Geijer (1783—1847) is the
most distinguished, as he is also, beyond contradiction, one of the greatest and
most scientific thinkers among the Swedes of his day. His works (The History
of the Swedish People up to 1654, and many others) are masterpieces of critical
acumen and pithy presentation. More than all his predecessors he realized
the evolution and continuity of history; and with superior genius he produced
both social surveys and character sketches. His influence on later historical
investigation in Sweden has been equally great as beneficial. — A. M.
Strinnholm (1786—1862) dealt with the reign of Gustavus Vasa, and published,
besides, an interesting and comprehensive work about the earliest history of
Sweden. A. Fryxell (1795 —1881), whose vivid "Berättelser ur Svenska
historien" (Episodes from Swedish History) have become really popular reading, awakened
throughout wide circles interest in Swedish history and Swedish memories.
The ever-increasing call for the study of archives has made Stockholm, where
all the principal archives are preserved more and more the centre of Swedish
history-writing. A large number of original documents have been, or are being
published, e. g., "Scriptores rerum Suecicarum medii ævi"; Historical
documents, and Documents concerning the history of Scandinavia by the Society
for publication of manuscripts concerning Scandinavian history: by the National
Record Office: "Diplomatarium suecanum medii ævi" (comprising the time 817
—1350 and 1401 — 20), the registry of Gustavus I, the record of the Swedish
Council of the Realm, the proceedings of the Swedish Riksdag from 1523 and another
series from 1718; by the Foreign Department: the considerable collection of
Swedish Treaties; by the Academy of Literature, History, and Antiquities: The
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