bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Twin Births in Developed Countries
Authors: Pison Gilles , D'Addato Agata V.
Published: March 2007

Twinning rates in developed countries have recently registered an increase. At the end of the 1970s, the change in mother's age structure has partially contributed to the growth in the proportion of multiple births. In fact, the evolution of twinning rates is related to the calendar of maternity since, comparatively to younger mothers, older women more frequently have twins. Moreover, the growing frequency of multiple births also depends on fertility treatments, which are largely used in the developed countries. National data from the civil birth registration systems are taken into account in order to describe, in a comparative study, the main trends of twinning rates in the 20th century.
Stillbirth Rates in Singletons, Twins and Triplets in Sweden, 1869 to 2001
Authors: Fellman Johan , Eriksson Aldur W.
Published: March 2007

The temporal variation in the stillbirth rates (SBR), measured as the number of stillborn per 1000 total births, among singletons, twins and triplets was studied on Swedish birth data for the period 1869 to 2001 and comparisons with data from other populations were made. Among both single and multiple births there were marked, almost monotonously decreasing trends in the stillbirth rates. Among singletons the stillbirth rate decreased from 29.5 per 1000 in the period 1869 to 1878 to 3.4 in the period 1991 to 2001. Among twins the stillbirth rate decreased from 94 per 1000 in 1869 to 1878 to a minimum of 8.2 in 1991 to 2001 and among triplets from 166 per 1000 to a minimum of 19.8. The relative declining pattern in the SBRs was almost the same, being 88% among singletons, 91% among twins and 88% among triplets. In the 1980s and 1990s the definition of the stillbirth rate was changed in many countries, including Finland, but no changes in the definition of stillbirths have been made in Sweden. The effect of the artificial reproduction techniques, including in vitro fertilization, on the rates of multiple maternities is also discussed. It was noted especially that they had a more marked effect on the triplet than on the twinning rate.
Empirical Evaluation of the Genetic Similarity of Samples From Twin Registries in Australia and the Netherlands Using 359 STRP Markers
Authors: Sullivan Patrick F. , Montgomery Grant W. , Hottenga Jouke Jan , Wray Naomi R. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: March 2007

One way to achieve the large sample sizes required for genetic studies of complex traits is to combine samples collected by different groups. It is not often clear, however, whether this practice is reasonable from a genetic perspective. To assess the comparability of samples from the Australian and the Netherlands twin studies, we estimated Fst (the proportion of total genetic variability attributable to genetic differences between cohorts) based on 359 short tandem repeat polymorphisms in 1068 individuals. Fst was estimated to be 0.30% between the Australian and the Netherlands cohorts, a smaller value than between many European groups. We conclude that it is reasonable to combine the Australian and the Netherlands samples for joint genetic analyses.
Response to Puts and Dawood's ‘The Evolution of Female Orgasm: Adaptation or Byproduct?’ — Been There
Authors: Lloyd Elisabeth A.
Published: March 2007

David Puts and Khytam Dawood's recent critique of my book,The Case of the Female Orgasm: Bias in the Science of Evolution, attempts to make plausible an adaptive account of female orgasm based on a hypothesized mechanism of uterine upsuck and sperm competition. Yet the authors fail to respond to the criticisms of such accounts that I detailed previously in my book. They raise a further concern about my definition of adaptation — a red herring — and manufacture a conceptual error regarding heritability that they then attribute to me. Most seriously, they fail to address the glaring failure of sperm competition accounts to accord with evidence from sexology. Specifically, the distribution curve of orgasm-with-intercourse — according to Dawood et al.'s own data, as well as others' — is relatively flat across the various classes. This curve needs to be tested against a well-formed multistrategy adaptive hypothesis; it cannot be explained by the adaptive account defended by Puts and Dawood in their critique.
Australian Twin Registry: A Nationally Funded Resource for Medical and Scientific Research, Incorporating match and WATCH
Authors: Hopper John L. , Treloar Susan A. , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Morley Ruth
Published: March 2007

The Australian Twin Registry (ATR) has, since the late 1970s, enrolled more than 30,000 pairs of all zygosity types and ages willing to consider participation in approved research studies. Its core functions are the recruitment to, and maintenance of, an up-to-date database containing contact details and baseline information, and the management of fair and equitable access so as to enhance medical and scientific research. The ATR has facilitated more than 430 studies producing 525 peer-reviewed publications using a variety of designs including classic biometrical twin and twin family studies, co-twin control studies, intervention studies, longitudinal studies, and studies of issues relevant specifically to twins. The ATR is supported for 2004 to 2009 by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Enabling Grant, a new form of funding which recognizes the importance of long-term support for shared national resources. New initiatives include: integration with the Western Australian Twin Child Health (WATCH) cohort and the new Western Australian Twin Registry (WATR); foundation of a cohort of mothers and their twin children recruited from the time of diagnosis of the multiple gestation (match); a national Twins Festival run in collaboration with the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA); promotion of the ATR at medical conferences; and fostering an active network of researchers from a range of disciplines and providing financial support for new researchers to attend international twin research workshops. Consistent with its mission statement, the long-term goal of the ATR is to make twin studies a standard component of medical and scientific research.
The Western Australian Twin Register: A Population-Based Register of Adult and Child Multiples
Authors: Lee Jessica D. Y. , Palmer Lyle J.
Published: March 2007

The Western Australian Twin Register (WATR) was established in 1997 to study the health of all child multiples born in Western Australia (WA). The Register has until recently consisted of all multiples born in WA between 1980 and 1997. Using unique record linkage capacities available through the WA data linkage system, we have subsequently been able to identify all multiple births born in WA since 1974. New affiliations with the Australian Twin Registry and the WA Institute for Medical Research are further enabled by the use of the WA Genetic Epidemiology Resource — a high-end bioinformatics infrastructure that allows efficient management of health datasets and facilitates collaborative research capabilities. In addition to this infrastructure, funding provided by these institutions has allowed the extension of the WATR to include a greater number of WA multiples, including those born between 1974 and 1979, and from 1998 onwards. These resources are in the process of being enabled for national and international access.
The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS)
Authors: Derom Catherine A. , Vlietinck Robert F. , Thiery Evert W. , Leroy Fernand O. G. , Fryns Jean-Pierre , Derom Robert M.
Published: March 2007

The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS) is a prospective, population-based registry of multiple births in the province of East Flanders, Belgium. EFPTS has several unique features: it is population based and prospective, with the possibility of long-term follow-up; the twins (and higher order multiple births) are ascertained at birth; basic perinatal data recorded; chorion type and zygosity established; and since 1969 placental biopsies have been taken and frozen at −20 °C for later determination of genetic markers. The EFPTS is the only large register that includes placental data and allows differentiation of 3 subtypes of monozygotic (MZ) twins based on the time of the initial zygotic division: the dichorionic–diamnionic pairs (early, before the 4th day after fertilization), the monochorionic–diamnionic pairs (intermediate, between the 4th and the 7th day post fertilization), and the monochorionic–monoamnionic pairs (late, after the 8-day post fertilization). This added a new dimension to didymology (the science of twins; didymos is the Greek word for twin): the timing of MZ twinning. Studies can be initiated taking into account primary biases, those originating in utero. Such studies could throw new light on the controversy over the validity of the classic twin method, the consequences of early embryological events (before and just after implantation of the embryo), the origin of congenital malformations, the sex proportion of multiples, the gene–environment interactions as far as intrauterine environment is concerned, to name but a few.
The South Korean Twin Registry
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi , Shin Joong Sik , Jeong Hoe-Uk , Han Jung Yeol
Published: March 2007

The South Korean Twin Registry (SKTR), previously called the Seoul Twin Family Study, is a nationwide volunteer registry of South Korean twins and their families. Since 2002, the SKTR has been updated in 4 important ways. First, continued sampling led to an increase in the number of twins. Second, the target area, Seoul, was enlarged to include other cities and rural areas in the country. Third, the target population was extended from school-aged twins to preschool and adult twins. Fourth, the research focus was expanded to include psychiatric and physical disease phenotypes. The present article describes a brief history of the SKTR, goals and current research highlights, recent major accomplishments, and future directions.
The Birmingham Registry for Twin and Heritability Studies (BiRTHS)
Authors: Krone Ruth E. , Ewer Andrew K. , Barrett Timothy G. , Moy Robert J. , Bakour Shagaf , Maher Eamonn R. , Thangaratinam Shakila , Cox Philip , Martin Bill , Khan Khalid S. , Zeegers Maurice P.
Published: March 2007

In this article we present the protocol of the Birmingham Registry for Twin Heritability Studies (BiRTHS), which aims to establish a long-term prospective twin registry with twins identified from the antenatal period and subjected to detailed follow-up. We plan to investigate the concordance in anthropo-metrics and early childhood phenotypes between 66 monozygotic and 154 dizygotic twin pairs in the first 2 years of recruitment. In this project we plan to determine the relative contributions of heritability and environment to fetal growth, birth size, growth in infancy and development up to 2 years of age in an ethnically mixed population. Twins will be assessed with the Griffitth's Mental Development Scales, which will enable us to obtain detailed information on development. As maternal depression may have an effect on the twins' neurodevelopment, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale will be used at various stages during pregnancy and after delivery to assess maternal depressive symptoms. The increasing prevalence of obesity in both adults and children has raised concerns about the effect of maternal obesity in pregnancy on fetal growth. The prospective study design gives us the opportunity to obtain data on maternal nutrition (reflected by body mass index) and ante- and postnatal growth and development of twins.
The Southern California Twin Register at the University of Southern California: II
Authors: Baker Laura A. , Barton Mafalda , Lozano Dora Isabel , Raine Adrian , Fowler James H.
Published: March 2007

The Southern California Twin Register was initiated in 1984 at the University of Southern California, and continues to grow. This article provides an update of the register since it was described in the 2002 special issue of this journal. The register has expanded considerably in the past 4 years, primarily as a result of recent access to Los Angeles County birth records and voter registration databases. Currently, this register contains nearly 5000 twin pairs, the majority of whom are school age. The potential for further expansion in adult twins using voter registration records is also described. Using the Los Angeles County voter registration database, we can identify a large group of individuals with a high probability of having a twin who also resides in Los Angeles County. In addition to describing the expansion of register, this article provides an overview of an ongoing investigation of 605 twin pairs who are participating in a longitudinal study of behavioral problems during childhood and adolescence. Characteristics of the twins and their families are presented, indicating baseline rates of conduct problems, depression and anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnoses which are comparable to nontwins in this age range.
Colorado Twin Registry
Authors: Rhea Sally-Ann , Gross Andy A. , Haberstick Brett C. , Corley Robin P.
Published: March 2007

The Colorado Twin Registry (CTR) is a population-based registry housed at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado. Recruited subjects' birth years date from 1968. Four samples comprise the CTR: the Community Twin Sample, Infant Twin Sample, Longitudinal Twin Sample, and the Early Reading Development Sample. Criteria for enrollment, recruitment strategies, demographic information and zygosity assignment are explained for each sample. In addition, 8 studies in which CTR twins have participated are highlighted. These include studies of early cognition, early reading ability, executive cognitive function, and vulnerability to substance abuse and antisocial behavior. Goals, measures, and brief results are provided for each study. The development of the CTR is an ongoing and evolving process, and it has proved to be a valuable resource, relatively representative of the population from which it was drawn.
Duke Twins Study of Memory in Aging in the NAS-NRC Twin Registry
Authors: Plassman Brenda L. , Steffens David C. , Burke James R. , Welsh-Bohmer Kathleen A. , Newman Tiffany N. , Drosdick Deborah , Helms Michael J. , Potter Guy G. , Breitner John C. S.
Published: March 2007

The Duke Twins Study of Memory in Aging is an ongoing, longitudinal study of cognitive change and dementia in the population-based National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council (NAS-NRC) Twin Registry of World War II Male Veterans. The primary goal of this study has been to estimate the overall genetic and environmental contributions to dementia with a specific focus on Alzheimer's disease. An additional goal has been to examine specific genetic and environmental antecedents of cognitive decline and dementia. Since 1989, we have completed 4 waves of data collection. Each wave included a 2-phase telephone cognitive screening protocol, followed by an in-home standardized clinical assessment for those with suspected dementia. For many participants, we have obtained postmortem neuro-pathological confirmation of the diagnosis of dementia. In addition to data on cognition, we have also collected information on occupational history, medical history, medications and other lifetime experiences that may influence cognitive function in late life. We provide an overview of the study's methodology and describe the focus of recent research.
The Georgia Cardiovascular Twin Study: Influence of Genetic Predisposition and Chronic Stress on Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ge Dongliang , Dong Yanbin , Wang Xiaoling , Treiber Frank A. , Snieder Harold
Published: March 2007

The Georgia Cardiovascular Twin Study is a longitudinal study of biobehavioral antecedents of cardiovascular disease in youth and young adults, including around 500 twin pairs with roughly equal numbers of African Americans and European Americans. Focus of study includes the longitudinal change in relative influence of genetic and environmental factors (especially chronic stress) on development of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Approaches include quantitative genetic modeling of phenotypic twin data as well as the examination of the influence of polymorphic variation in candidate genes and their potential interaction with environmental factors on these risk factors. Future work will expand the scope of the study to investigating the impact of chronic stress as measured by indices of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system on preclinical markers of cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
The drama of digital communication with a human touch
Authors: Tllez Valerie Ann Bugmann
Published: March 2007

With the emergence of new communication technologies our bodies find themselves in constant reconstruction, giving birth to novel social interactive behaviours mediated or originated by these technologies. These unique manifestations describe the way in which our body lives out a kind
of new drama through its interaction with the world. Perhaps touch can be extended in new unexpected ways, and the body will embark into a new exciting experience of itself and of the world.
Effect of photolysis on 17th/18th century paper
Authors: Knutson Kristina , Pu Yunqiao , Elder Thomas , Buschle-Diller Gisela B. , Yang Rallming , Thomson Cameron , Kim Dong Ho , Dang Zheng , J. Ragauskas Arthur
Published: March 2007

Samples of two historical papers from the late 17th and early 18th centuries were irradiated with a 350-nm λmax light source. Atomic force microscopy examination of untreated samples of these laid paper sheets revealed notable surface inhomogeneity. Diffuse brightness values show that irradiation resulted in an initial decrease followed by a rapid increase in brightness with increasing irradiation time from 0.5 to 28 h. The bleaching effect then slowed, following a logarithmic path that did not plateau within 197 h of irradiation time. Irradiated sheets stored for 3 months exhibited brightness reversion of 7%. Fluorescence also decreased with irradiation time if excitation wavelengths of 320, 350, and 400 nm were applied for samples exposed to narrow-band irradiation at 350 nm. The fold endurance decreased by 34–72% after 197 h of irradiation. Changes in tear and tensile values were less dramatic. The Z-direction ultrasonic velocity decreased after 197 h of irradiation; however, the ultrasonic conductivity partially recovered during 9 months of storage.
Association for Political and Legal Anthropology
Authors: Krause Elizabeth , Bhan Mona
Published: March 2007

•Sexual Citizenship Tomi Castle
Commentary: Isolated Stem Cells—Patentable as Cultural Artifacts?
Authors: Hansson Mats G. , Helgesson Gert , Wessman Richard , Jaenisch Rudolf
Published: March 2007

This article argues that an isolated embryonic stem cell basically represents a cultural artifact that has no equivalent to cells of the embryo, and that it is likely that the isolation of adult stem cells has a similar consequence. An isolated stem cell could thus be distinguished as something other than the stem cell existing as part of a human body. Since isolation of stem cells implies modification, product patents should, where the results carry enough novelty, inventive step, and potential for industrial application, as a matter of principle be a viable option for patent authorities. Questions of morality, which may affect the patentability, should also be viewed in light of the distinction between isolated result and body part. At the same time, it is essential that patent authorities do not accept broad patent claims that will be detrimental to research.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Pb1-x Mnx Te and PbTe1-xSx compounds and their optical properties
Authors: Trajic Jelena , Golubovic Aleksandar , Romcevic Maja , Romcevic Nebojsa , Nikolic Slobodanka , Nikiforov Vladimir
Published: March 2007

Pb1-xMnxTe crystals were obtained by the Bridgman method and PbTe1-xSx crystals were grown by the vapour-liquid-solid technique. The structural properties of Pb1-xMnxTe (x?0.10) and PbTe 1-xSx(x?0.05) were observed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The optical properties were studied by Raman spectroscopy as a function of temperature. Measurements on these samples of different composition gave information about the Mn and S position in the lattice (off-centering), their clustering and ordering, as well as of the influence of these processes on the crystal structure and properties. The model of phonon behavior based on the Random Element Isodisplacement model was applied, and it was found that the phonons in PbTe 1-xSx show a two-mode behavior (each TO-LO mode pair of the end members degenerates to an impurity mode), while the Pb1-xMnxTe optical phonons have a intermediate one-two-mode behavior (the LO-mode frequency shifts continuously from PbTe to MnTe, while the other modes resemble the two-mode case). .
Crystal structure of tris(pyridine)(salicylaldehyde semicarbazonato(2-))cobalt(III)-trichloropyridinecobaltate(II) at 293 and 120K
Authors: Bogdanovic Goran , Leovac Vukadin , Vojinovic-Jesic Ljiljana , De Biré-Spasojevic
Published: March 2007

The crystal structure of [CoIII(L)(py)3][CoIICl3(py)] (H2L=salicylaldehyde semicarbazone)was determined by X-ray analysis based on two single crystal X-ray experiments performed at 120 K and 293 K, respectively. It was found that the pyridine ligand of the complex anion is disordered over two positions. The preferential position of this pyridine found at120Kwas explained in terms of the C-H...Cl intermolecular interaction between the tetrahedral [CoII(py)Cl3]- anions. The mer-octahedral geometry of the cation in the presented crystal structure was compared with previously published structures of similar composition, [CoIII(L1)(py)3]+[CoIICl3(py)]-?EtOH and [CoIII(LI)(py)3]+I3-(H2LI = salicylaldehyde S-methylisothiosemicarbazone). Although the tetrahedral [CoIICl3(py)]- anions possess the same charge, they mutually form different intermolecular interactions which can be realized either by C-H...Cl hydrogen bonds or by ?-? interactions between the pyridine rings.
Multi-item fuzzy inventory model for deteriorating items with finite time-horizon and time-dependent demand
Authors: Kar S. , Roy T.K. , Maiti M.
Published: March 2007

This paper develops a finite time-horizon fuzzy multi-deteriorating inventory model with/without shortage, where the demand increases linearly with time. Here, the total profit is to be maximized under the limitation on investment. In this problem, total profit, total investment cost and the time-horizon are fuzzy in nature. The impreciseness in the above objective and constraint goals have been expressed by fuzzy linear/nonlinear membership functions and vagueness in time-horizon by different types of fuzzy numbers. Results are illustrated with numerical examples.
Possible classification of the methods of operational research applicable in the field of defense
Authors: Mucibabic Spasoje
Published: March 2007

The overall dynamic development of operational research in various fields of human activities urges the need for a clearer and mathematically more explicit classification of its methods. This need is also very urgent in the field of defense, particularly because of the complications of modern conflicts, as well as of new security requirements. One of the possible classifications of methods based on the theory of games as a mathematical model for solving conflict situations is presented in this paper. The connections between methods and their mathematical description are underlined.
Postal system strategy selection by applying multicriteria analysis
Authors: Petrovic Vladeta
Published: March 2007

The paper presents the methods by which postal organizations adapt strategically to significant changes in the external environment in order to survive on the market and gain new possibilities for prosperity. It is proved that only planned changes can accelerate the speed of adjustment to new conditions. By studying environment demands and the ways postal administrations have implemented changes, it can be concluded that there exists a general model of postal system transformation. After reviewing the available transformation scenarios that are applicable to all postal operators, the paper proposes the selection of postal system development strategy by applying multicriteria analysis.
Development of the stock exchange information system
Authors: Miladinovic Radojko
Published: March 2007

The stock exchange represents the key institution for the development of capital market of any country. Thus the information system of every stock exchange must satisfy very strict international standards. The development of these systems is particularly difficult in countries in transition, due to intense economic and legal changes, lack of technical and financial resources, lack of experience and knowledge in the area of the capital market business, etc. Therefore the special software project management methodology for their realization must be clearly defined. In the development process of the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BSE) information system a new software project management methodology for its realization has been defined, the application of which is illustrated through a series of different development stages of the Belgrade Stock Exchange information system. In order to make all the problems more comprehensive, only the continuous trading method is described, being the most frequently used trading method in the world.
A modification of a continuous time model for first conception
Authors: Singh S. N. , Chakrabarty K. C. , Singh V. K.
Published: March 2007

The interval between marriage and the first conception leading to a live birth plays an important role in the determination of fertility components. Several probability models (Potter and Parker, 1964; Singh, 1961, 1964, 1967) based on varying sets of assumptions relating to this interval have been propounded in the recent past. All of them are based on the assumption that the females under study are susceptible to conception at the time of marriage. However, in certain situations, where some of the females already pregnant at the time of marriage report to have conceived within a short interval following marriage, this condition is not satisfied and these models become unsuitable. A probability distribution which is an inflated form of the continuous model proposed by Singh, for the time of the first conception leading to a live birth, is presented in this paper. It describes reasonably well the data on first conception times in the context of premarital conceptions. Simple expressions for the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters involved in the model are obtained and a method for finding the asymptotic covariance matrix of the estimators is outlined. The model is applied to four sets of data.
Age Patterns of Mortality and Cause-of-Death Structures in Sweden, Japan, and the United States
Authors: Himes Christine L.
Published: March 2007

This paper uses a new standard model of adult mortality to compare the mortality patterns of Swedes, Japanese, and U.S. whites between 1950 and 1985. It examines changes in the age patterns of mortality and the cause-of-death structures within the populations. and the relationships between those two factors. As Japan has reached a level of mortality similar to that in Sweden, the age patterns of mortality in the two populations have become more similar despite distinct differences in causes of death. The United States has a cause-of-death structure similar to that of Sweden, but the age pattern of mortality is very different. High mortality in the middle age range in the United States results in approximately a one-year loss of life expectancy at age 45 in comparison with Sweden.
Domestic Everyday Life, Manners, and Customs in the Ancient World
Authors: Harris George
Published: March 2007

In the survey of the domestic every-day life, and manners and customs of the ancients, already published (“Transactions,” vol. ii., pp. 393–438), we obtained a view of the earliest mode of living adopted by the inhabitants of this planet. We beheld the people at first rudely dressed in wild skins, or covered with garments made of leaves, but gradually obtaining a more refined character, as the progress of civilization which is marked by nothing more clearly than by that of costume, advanced among them; until, influenced and moulded by the classical taste of the people of Greece and Rome, it eventually assumed that form and appearance which are so striking and so beautiful, far exceeding anything which even the science and civilization of modern times have succeeded in producing. We also peeped into the dwellings of the people by whom the earth was originally inhabited, — our primeval ancestors. We first of all found them in rude caves, habitations formed and provided for them by Nature herself. Sometimes they lived in groves. Afterwards they built for themselves tents and huts, which in form imitated their original dwellings. As the tide of civilization rolled on they by degrees effected improvements in their mode and style of living, until at length, among certain nations where civilization had attained a high rank, more especially in Egypt, in Greece, and in Rome, stately cities and superb dwellings were raised, in which the humble and scanty fare provided by Nature was exchanged for luxurious feasts. i now propose to inquire into certain peculiar habits connected with the ordinary occupations and manner of daily life of the people of the ancient world, affording also some account of those amusements by which mainly they were diverted.
The Rise of the English Legal Profession
Authors: Hill J. W.
Published: March 2007

How much the English Law, in the present day, is indebted to the Roman, appears to be still a point on which writers differ. Professor Stubbs, in his edition of “Documents Illustrative of English History,” holds that the debt is slight; or, at all events, that few remains exist, in modern times, of laws that had their origin in the days of the Roman occupation of Britain; while Mr. Finlason, in his preliminary essay to the last edition of “Reeves' History of English Law,” argues, on the other hand, that we derive much of our system of jurisprudence and many of our present laws from this source. M. Guizot holds the same on behalf of the origin of the old French laws.
The Great Mace, and other Corporation Insignia of the Borough of Leicester
Authors: Kelly William
Published: March 2007

The custom of distinguishing men occupying positions of power as chiefs or rulers of the people by some outward symbol of authority, such as the mace or the sceptre (terms in-deed often used as synonymous), denoting the dignity of their office, is one undoubtedly of very great antiquity, both amongst savages in all ages, like the aborigines of Australia and New Zealand, and from the times of the polished ancient Greeks and Romans down to our own day.
The Corporation of Bedford. An Historical Sketch
Authors: Hurst George
Published: March 2007

Bedford was occupied by the Romans, but in their time it does not appear to have been a place of much importance. Under the Saxon rule it became of greater consideration, was the scene of many severe conflicts, and was much favoured by Offa, King of the Mercians, who chose it as his place of sepulture. In the Saxon period the town acquired municipal privileges. It was a corporation by prescription till the reign of Henry I., but the earliest charter now extant was granted by Henry II., who confirmed all the liberties and free customs which the burgesses enjoyed in the reign of Henry I.
Early Laws and Customs in Great Britain regarding Food
Authors: Walford Cornelius
Published: March 2007

All matters connected with the Food Supply to the people of a great and progressive nation may be regarded as of historical interest. I do not on the present occasion propose to do more than glance at some of the incidents which are associated with this large question; but even these, it will be seen, take a much wider range than at first sight might seem probable; and my effort has been rather in the direction of limiting than of expanding the scope of the inquiry, except that I have had to make the survey a national one, and not limit it to any one portion of the kingdom. Of course London, as the capital, and as the usual seat of government during the period our inquiry covers, absorbs the chief attention.
Original Records Respecting the Plague in this Country
Authors: Harris George
Published: March 2007

We have accounts of the reappearance of the plague on the continent of Europe, which, if they do not create actual alarm, are at any rate calculated to excite a strong interest about it, more especially as regards the precautionary and other measures which were adopted in this country on the occasion of its former visitations. To some of the official documents recording these proceedings I have been allowed to have access, and I propose now to lay before you a few extracts from them.
The Irish Monks and the Norsemen
Authors: Howorth Henry H.
Published: March 2007

In a previous paper I have endeavoured to give a picture of Scotland in the dark period of its history preceding the 9th century, and to describe the constitution of the early Columban clergy who did so much to Christianize and civilize it. I also gave such an account as our frail materials would enable me of the destruction and ravaging of the settlements of the monks by the Norsemen. I now propose to give a parallel picture of the early monks in Ireland and to describe how they also were the victims of the same famous rovers, and I venture to hope that a subject so little explored may not be unwelcome to the Historical Society.
The Historical Development of Idealism and Realism
Authors: Zerffi Gustavus George
Published: March 2007

The whole of humanity has developed in two circles,—an ante-Christian circle, which encompassed the Oriental, Greek, and Roman world; and a post-Christian circle, which is in its principal philosophical elements exclusively Teutonic. The different religious systems of the East culminated in Greek idealism; whilst the spiritual movement of Christianity brought us through the theologico-realistic and nominalistic phases to the culture of modern realism.
Examination of the Legend of Atlantis in Reference to Protohistoric Communication with America
Authors: Clarke Hyde
Published: March 2007

My historical investigations for some years have particularly borne upon the relations of America to the Old World. They refer to the questions whether the populations and civilisations of the New World are there born and indigenous, or whether they are imported from the other hemisphere, and therefore in no respect distinct.
The Picts and Preceltic Britain
Authors: Clarke Hyde
Published: March 2007

This paper will embrace the old question of the Picts in Scotland which has been so much discussed, and also the newer question of the inhabitants of Britain preceding the Celtic invasion of these islands which has already been brought by me before the Society. This newer subject now meets with more attention on the part of historians and other men of science.
The Formation and Decay of Craft Gilds
Authors: Cunningham Wm.
Published: March 2007

There are many circumstances which tend to invest the Craft Gilds of the Middle Ages with interest. There is much that is picturesque in the hints which we get of the liveried gatherings in the great halls: there is something that appears exemplary too in the excellent work which was sometimes done, and in the relations which seem to have subsisted between fellow-workers. But apart from all that attracts our fancy and, rightly or wrongly, moves our admiration, there are interesting problems in tracing their origin or understanding how they worked. On this last point, indeed, no little light is thrown by the analogy of similar institutions in India at the present day. Whether in the amorphous condition in which they exist all over that country, or in the more crystallised and definite forms in which one finds them in Guzerat, there is a curious parallel—notwithstanding the many contrasts—between the one country and the other. The analogy would, doubtless, be most misleading, if we relied on present-day experience there for an explanation of the decay of the gilds of former times, but as a picture which may enable us to understand how the system is worked, and how industry developed in these strange conditions and with so much minute legislation, they are invaluable. But even with this help the difficulties in understanding their history are sufficiently great to render the inquiry as to the formation and decay of craft gilds distinctly interesting, though it is not easy to sum up results in a way that shall be accurate, brief, and clear.
Christianity in Roman Britain
Authors: Howorth Henry H.
Published: March 2007

It would be difficult to find a subject illustrating the benefits and drawbacks of religious controversy to historical inquiry more completely than the Early British Church. The zeal and vigour with which the struggle on either side was fought out at the Reformation had the effect of focussing a fierce light upon all available evidence referring to primitive times; and of spurring the diligence of controversialists. Every by-way of history was explored for some fresh matter with which to point the arguments of that critical warfare. To this we owe such monuments of industry as Archbishop Ussher's ‘Primordia,’ the works of Stillingfleet, Father Parsons, and others. Since they wrote, the interest in the subject has continued most lively; and while new materials have not been forthcoming in any great number, the old ones have been sifted and resifted with a care and perseverance which prove that something beyond the facts has been at issue, and that a fight of principles was going on behind the screen. This has not been a mere empty parade to the historian. For him it has done the most useful of all work, and that which has been most neglected till late years, namely, passing through the crucible of criticism the raw ore of evidence, and by repeated refinement extracting the pure metal which is alone likely to live. So long as the battle was fought on the old lines, little more than this was done, and the evidence, even when sifted out, has been used on either side with that distorted leaning, that want of balance, which marks the conclusion of the partisan rather than of the impartial judge.
The Saxon Invasion and its Influence on our Character as a Race
Authors: Palmer J. Foster
Published: March 2007

In the following paper the term ‘Ancient Briton’ is applied to the whole of the mixed races which inhabited this island prior to the Teutonic irruption. They consisted of the two Celtic families (the Gaels and the Brythons, or Cymri), and the pre-Celtic races. On the divisions of the latter anthropology has not yet decidedly pronounced, though it seems probable that they were not homogeneous. In any case the principal pre-Celtic type at present discovered, which may generically be termed Iberian, and which appears to correspond with that of the original neolithic inhabitants, was dark, small, and short, the average stature being only sixty-three inches. The pure Celt, on the other hand, was extremely tall, the average stature being sixty-nine inches, and that of the Saxon sixty-seven. This agrees with the statements of Polybius, Strabo, and Ammianus Marcellinus as to the height of the Celt, and at the same time accounts for the Britons being spoken of as short and thick-set. For in this country the Celt was found mixed to a large extent with the short pre-Celtic race or races. The people, therefore, that the Saxons had to contend with were, on an average, of shorter stature than themselves. They varied, no doubt, in different parts of the country, but probably the purest Iberian blood, and consequently the shortest stature, would be at the bottom of the social scale. If any pure Celtic blood remained in the country it would be chiefly in the east; and it is to the permanence of this, rather than to the superior stature of the Angles over the rest of the invaders, that I attribute the height of the present inhabitants of the Anglian districts. The prevailing physiognomy of East Anglia also supports this view; the tall stature, brown hair, grey eye, and arched nose of the pure Celt is not uncommon there.
The Language and Literature of the English before the Conquest, and the Effect on Them of the Norman Invasion
Authors: Thornton Robinson
Published: March 2007

I Must preface this paper with a remark which, in the case of most, if not all, of my hearers will be, I presume, needless: but which is far from needless for those whose studies have not been in the early history of this country. The remark is this, that it is erroneous to draw in our historical consciousness a strong black line at the event of the 14th or 22nd October 1066.
The Tchōng-Yông of Confucius
Authors: Tchhing-Tse  , Zerffi G. G.
Published: March 2007

Intorzetta was one of the first to give us a clear insight into the metaphysical writings of Confucius, whose Chinese name was Kung-Tzu (meaning Dr. Kung), and to show us that at all times, amongst all sages, philosophers, and teachers, the impressions of nature and the attempt to solve the destiny of man, as a being endowed with self-conscious intellect, produced analogous moral and philosophical results.
The Intercourse of the Danes with the Franks, &c
Authors: Howorth Henry H.
Published: March 2007

The mutual influence of the Danish raids upon the policy of the Empire of the Franks, and vice versa, was a natural consequence, although one not sufficiently appreciated. Thus the internecine struggle of the three sons of Louis the Pious, which we have described in an earlier paper, and which culminated in the battle of Fontenay, was immediately followed by Osker's attack on the Seine, and by the capture of Nantes by the pirates. These terrible disasters drew the brothers together for a while, and on the earnest pressure of the grandees of the various parts of the empire a solemn assembly was convened. ‘At Coblentz,’ says Palgrave, ‘the three envious brothers, the three grudging and hostile kings, were convened in stately congress, their nobles, their prelates, and 110 delegates or commissioners, a special parliament. They held their sessions in that edifice still appearing as the principal feature in the sunny and cheerful city, the twin-towered church of St. Castor. A long discussion took place between the envoys on either side, and eventually special commissioners were appointed to ascertain the value and revenues of the various bishoprics, abbeys, counties, and royal domains; and it was agreed that the congress should be adjourned over the winter and meet the following year at Verdun.’ They accordingly met at Verdun, July 15, 843, and the three brothers having come together and undertaken to ratify the decision of their envoys, the treaty was duly signed in August 843, and is known as the Treaty of Verdun.
The Treaty of Commerce Between England and France in 1786
Authors: Browning Oscar
Published: March 2007

The eighteenth article of the Treaty of Versailles between England and France contained a provision that commissioners should be appointed on either side to draw up new arrangements of commerce between the two nations on the basis of reciprocity and of mutual convenience, and that these arrangements should be completed within the space of two years, dating from January 1, 1784. The insertion of this article had not been effected without difficulty. The views of France and England as to foreign trade were divergent. The French were what in modern language would be called free traders. Vergennes and his advisers had learnt from the physiocrats that the wealth of a country consisted not so much in the amount of gold and silver which happened to be within its borders at any particular time, as in the natural products of the country itself. The English ministers were to a great extent under the dominion of the mercantile system, which taught that the balance for or against the wealth of one country compared with another lay in the larger amount of cash which one of the countries possessed. Thus, in arranging the conditions of peace, while the French ministers wished for a fresh treaty of commerce with England, the English ministers only desired the renewal of the treaty of commerce of 1713, made at the Peace of Utrecht. This treaty, which never came into complete effect, placed France and England reciprocally on the footing of the most favoured nation, but it was deeply affected by the Methuen treaty between England and Portugal, which gave Portugal a special position towards England superior to that of any nation, how-ever favoured.
The English in Muscovy during the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Casimir Nicholas , de Bogoushevsky Baron
Published: March 2007

In the sixteenth century England had not become Empress of the ocean; but the enterprising spirit which mainly contributed to her pre-eminence had induced her even then to compete with Spain, Portugal, and Genoa, for the sovereignty of the seas.

A favourite project of English navigators was the discovery of a direct passage through the polar seas to Cathay and India. They imagined that this passage could be found by ships sailing from English ports in a north-easterly direction. This theory being supported by the renowned navigator Sebastian Cabot, a company was registered in England under the title of “Merchants A dventurers for the Discoverie of Lands, Territories, and Seignories Unknown.” Each member was to subscribe not less than twenty-five pounds, and the company in a short time raised a capital of £6,000. The majority were swayed by the hope of gain; but there were some who desired to solve an interesting problem, and to advance the commercial interests of their country; among these were the Marquis of Winchester, the Earls of Arundel, Bedford, and Pembroke, and Lord Howard of Emngham.
Historical Progress of Free Thought
Authors: Heywood James
Published: March 2007

Free Thought may be defined as an independent act of the understanding: it corresponds with the French expression, liberté d'esprit. A power of concentrated attention is necessary in processes of reasoning, and forms the foundation of a free and accurate discriminating judgment. The late Dr. Carpenter, in his “Mental Philosophy,” remarks that “in all the leading objects of intellectual occupation, the abstractive power is brought continually into exercise, and hence one advantage of the pursuits of literature, and still more of science.” Copernicus was described by Kepler as a man liber aninto, free in thought, and on account of his unbiassed mind he was regarded as well qualified to undertake the difficult task of preparing an approximately correct diagram of the solar system.
On the Settlement of Britain and Russia by the English Races
Authors: Clarke Hyde
Published: March 2007

England, as we know, has taken its fair share in writing history, as the names of Gibbon and Grote among many others show. The history of the English has not, however, had the same care bestowed upon it, notwithstanding the work of such men as Kemble, Sharon Turner, Palgrave, Freeman, and others. What we commonly have is a history of this island of Britain beginning with Welsh and Belgians, and setting forth the landing and wars of the Romans Thus Earl Russell, the President of this Society, was right some years ago in saying that the history of the English themselves has yet to be written.