DIPLOMAT'ICS, the science of deci phering ancient writings, assigning their date, &c. The name is derived from di ploma. iVritings of earlier date than the fifth century were mostly on the leaves of the papyrus, or bibles .Egyptiaca. Parchment appears to have been first generally used in that century ; and the oldest documents bearing the character of diplomas which we possess do not ex tend to a higher antiquity. Not long after the general adoption of parchment, a variety of substances and colors began to be used in writing, as vermilion, pur ple, gold and silver ; but this sumptuous fashion did not long remain in use. Tho science of diplomaties teaches the differ ent styles and forms adopted in ancient public documents; the titles. rank, Lo., of public officers whose names are sub scribed to them; the knowledge of the materials used in writing in different ages, of the different characters used in successive periods and in various coun tries; and the-several kinds of diplomas or public instruments. This science is said to owe its origin to a Jesuit of Antwerp, named Papelroeh, who devoted himself arduously to the research and exposition of old diplomas about the year 1G75; but the honor of having re duced it to a science, and established it on a sure and more satisfactory founda tion, is due to Mabillon, whose learned work, De Re Diplomatica, was given to the world in 1681. The principles laid
down by Maidllon, however, were more fully developed about the middle of last century, in cue of most elaborate works of which the literature of any na tion can boast, the Nouveau Troia de Di plonzatique ; and which has left little to be done by subsequent laborers in this field beyond the duty of translation, com pilation, or abridgment. From the above statement of the objects of this science, it will be at once perceived that it is of im mense utility. It has greatly facilitated the researches of the historian, the poli tician, the divine, the political economist ; and has contributed to the elucidation of points in the history of nations which might otherwise have been forever bu riedin obscurity.