r to say； is； even in reference to our branch of science； not to be regarded as
hypothetical； but as a summary view of the whole； the result of the investigation we are about to
pursue； a result which happens to be known to me； because I have traversed the entire field。 It is
only an inference from the history of the World； that its development has been a rational process；
that the history in question has constituted the rational necessary course of the World Spirit — that
Spirit whose nature is always one and the same； but which unfolds this its one nature in the
phenomena of the World's existence。 This must； as before stated； present itself as the ultimate
result of History。 But we have to take the latter as it is。 We must proceed historically —
empirically。 Among other precautions we must take care not to be misled by professed historians
who （especially among the Germans； and enjoying a considerable authority）； are chargeable with
the very procedure of which they accuse the Philosopher — introducing à priori inventions of
their own into the records of the Past。 It is； for example； a widely current fiction； that there was an
original primeval people； taught immediately by God； endowed with perfect insight and wisdom；
possessing a thorough knowledge of all natural laws and spiritual truth； that there have been such
or such sacerdotal peoples； or； to mention a more specific averment； that there was a Roman
Epos； from which the Roman historians derived the early annals of their city； &c。 Authorities of
this kind we leave to those talented historians by profession； among whom （in Germany at least）
their use is not unmon。 — We might then announce it as th