Summary:
"Dictionnaire historique universel" by Robert Arnault is a historical reference work written in the early 19th century. This comprehensive resource aims to compile and present systematic chronologies of various peoples and events, covering ancient to modern times, notable figures in the arts and sciences, as well as discoveries and important institutions, particularly focusing on France. The opening of the text introduces the purpose and structure of this dictionary, emphasizing the importance of chronology as a foundational element in studying history. Arnault argues against the common anachronisms committed by those unfamiliar with historical timelines and highlights the need for a concise yet comprehensive historical reference. He explains that this work is designed to avoid excessive details found in larger historical tomes, allowing readers to easily find and understand significant chronological events and influential figures. With organized sections spanning different geographical areas and epochs, the book caters to a wide audience interested in both history and chronology. (This is an automatically generated summary.)