Perhaps the following link may assist persons who are in doubt as to what types of materials constitute "sources," and how to determine their reliability. In an research environment, printed compendium such as "RD600" and "PA2" are classed as secondary source materials, as I had indicated. Occasionally, one meets with the term "tertiary" source (e.g., one drawn from previous secondary matter): most printed reference works on medieval genealogy are, at the same time, secondary and tertiary sources. Knowing this, however, the researcher is left to determine the reliability of these source materials: as for example, one must seek to discover where the texts they are using have obtained their data: from a primary, contemporary document drawn up at the time an event occured or shortly thereafter, or from another printed source. This is where the "source analysis" comes in. The variable nature of source materials is satisfactorily explained at UC Berkeley's library Website: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/PrimarySources.html Another useful help for determining the veracity of source materials as they related to genealogy is found in the book, The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual by Board for Certification Of Genealogists I hope this helps others trying to sort out what types of materials constitute sources for genealogy research. Kevin Bradford, M.L.S. "James P. Robinson III" To: PLANTAGENET-DESCENDANTS-PROJECT-L@rootsweb.com <jprobins@ix.netcom.co cc: m> Subject: RE: [PDP] Thomas Grey 04/13/2004 01:07 PM Please respond to PLANTAGENET-DESCENDANT S-PROJECT-L Neither of these are "sources". They are only secondary compendia. The sources that each relies on is where the analysis begins. Jim Robinson As the clock struck 12:46 PM 4/13/2004 -0500, KBradford@lourdes-pad.org took pen in hand and wrote: >I should note that an older, and reliable, source supports the Isabel Darcy >marriages mentioned in RD600. This source is Faris' Plantagenet Ancestry, >2nd ed. > >Kevin > ============================== Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.