Valuable information ranging from accurate facts to subjective yet useful insights can be obtained from all kinds of sources, however it is important to understand the nature of the source (in particular whether it is a primary source, i.e. an original document, or a secondary source, i.e. a compilation of information assembled by intermediaries). One of the beauties of historical study is approaching and evaluating the historical record itself, such as it is, in all of its omissions and imperfections. The process of clarifying references is ongoing and can be very interesting, -- and often reveals interesting biases and points of view that are enlightening as a part of the larger cultural context. Deborah Thomas