Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Prospectus).pdf/11

 value of those works. Similar synopses will be made of much early documentary material collected by Navarrete and other Spanish scholars, with full citations of sources and authorities. Another important feature of this work will be that scholars can therein ascertain, for the first time, the location of rare and valuable Philippina in American and other libraries—which will be given, whenever possible to learn it, in connection with each work. Librarians who receive this circular will confer a favor by sending to the editors lists of Philippina contained in their respective libraries, including all works earlier than the year 1800, and all important or especially valuable works of later date.

A few of the earliest documents will be given, for the benefit of scholars, in bilingual form—the original text appearing with a page-for-page English version. The translations are being made in a careful and scholarly manner by capable linguists, and great pains are being taken to give the most accurate rendering of the various languages of the originals. Disputed points are in all cases referred to eminent specialists, both secular and ecclesiastical. The aim is to reproduce, as exactly as possible, and in clear and correct English, the author's own intent and meaning, with entire fairness and freedom from prejudice  or prepossession. Historical accuracy, and the sympathetic interpretation of the author's thought and purpose, will be sought in every case.

A general introduction has been prepared especially for this series by Edward Gaylord Bourne, Professor of History in Yale University. Professor Bourne is, by his critical investigations in the history and literature of the Discoveries, and by his study of Spanish colonization in America, perhaps as well qualified as any American