RoM Thucydides to Toynbee, from Aristotle to the modern teachers of historiography, men have been concerned not only with history but also with an approach to history, with its methodology, subject matter, and auxiliary sciences. Thus it is not surprising that the ever memorable John Hales of Eton (1584-I656) should pay heed to such problems, although it is only by coincidence that he left to posterity written record of his ideas on the subject. Christian humanist of the Erasmus type,1 contemporary of the great Dutch statesman and scholar, Hugo Grotius, John Hales was a person of so large capacity, so sharp, quick, piercing, and subtile Wit, of so serene and profound judgment beyond the ordinary reach . . . that he became the most absolute Master of Polite, Various, and Universal Learning, besides deep insight into Religion; in search after which he was curious, and of the knowledge of it studious!'2 Like Grotius, Hales had keen interest in history; unlike the famous Dutch jurist, he never wrote any. Nevertheless the learned master at Eton had close acquaintance with Clio for he was a man of infinite reading:3 and he set down his thoughts on the subject in delightful little essay entitled The Method of reading Profane History'4 Hales wrote the piece at the request of young man preparing himself to tutor in history who wanted advice on how to approach