So far as historical studies are concerned the most interesting event of the past year has been the magnificent Historical Exhibition which was held in Glasgow. The promoters had in view, as their ultimate object, the establishment of a Chair of Scottish History in the University of Glasgow; and they have been successful in securing the nucleus of a sufficient endowment for this purpose. But the Exhibition itself was so admirably planned, and so successfully carried out, that it must have had an enormous effect in diffusing an interest in the records and the relics of the past. The large amount of space which was rightly devoted to ecclesiastical history was in itself a reminder of the importance of religion in the seventeenth century as a factor in the growth of Scottish nationality. Even more significant was the extraordinary collection of treasures that had been preserved in Scottish mansions, and of portraits which were now generously lent and carefully arranged for display to the public. It helps to bring out the importance of family history for a proper understanding of Scottish affairs. Just because the consolidation of Scottish nationality was so long in being attained, the struggles of the great families continued to furnish the leading motives and incidents in the drama of Scottish history.