Page:Chronologies and calendars (IA chronologiescale00macdrich).pdf/13



N writing a treatise upon chronology, it is my wish to take the reader along with me at every turn of the narrative and argument. And while endeavouring to convey to him as quickly as possible the results of my own study in this subject, I will strive, not less strongly, to do so in the most readable way. Let no one be repelled by the idea that a volume dealing with the chronology of history and the calendars in use at the present time is solely for the study-table of Mr. Dry-as-dust. The subject is one which can claim adherents in many diverse fields : the foreign correspondent of commerce must know something of this science ; the international voyager cannot afford to neglect its memoranda ; and even he who would peruse with intelligent interest Reuter's telegrams from distant lands will find a knowledge of chronology of considerable service.

. Now, to such a query as 'What's the date of it?' an accurate answer, in the Western style, mentions the month, the day thereof, and the year of the Christian era. If the reply be a written one, the year is commonly shown in four