From the first volumes Bollandus and his colleagues have submitted their documents to a criticism as severe as the means of information and the state of historical science permitted. Especially since the middle of the nineteenth century a host of solid works have made their appearance to push forward hagiographic science to a notable extent. In passing, we may mention the researches of R. A. Lipsius on the apocryphal Acts of the Apostles and the beautiful studies of M. P. Franchi de' Cavalieri on a selection of Acts of the martyrs. As will be readily understood, the distinction which we have established between practical and scientific hagiography is not always sharply defined. More than one attempt has been made to conciliate science with piety and to supply the latter with nourishment that has been passed through the sieve.
Examples are as numerous as they appear superfluous.
Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor Imprimatur.