One of the most interesting and significant sources, which in the search for material on the history of business is generally tapped in vain, is the diary or autobiography of the American business man. All too often he leaves behind him copious accounts of his travels, his philanthropies, his religious, political and cultural interests, but fails to bequeath to posterity other than fragmentary records of that which is most important of all from the social point of view, his business activities. The successful business man works not only in order to secure a competency which will enable him later to devote himself to his real interests in life, such as art and politics; whether he knows it or not, business is in most cases his real interest and his real talent. How worthwhile it would be, therefore, to read his own accounts of that activity, of his true vocation, which he understands and can interpret for those of later generations as no one else can do.

The student of business history, who is always interested in origins, looks to that land known as the Cradle of Civilization for the beginnings of business. For two generations scholars have been at work seeking archaeological remains of civilization in the Tigris- Euphrates country and deciphering the engravings they have found on stone and on clay tablets. They have uncovered much that is significant, especially concerning religion and government. In recent years they have worked with great interest and success on the economic life of that ancient world. They have found illuminating information about business.

Business in each decade has its own particular troubles, and it is interesting, often amusing, to read of bygone days. Modern communication, banking facilities, transportation, and business methods stand in vivid contrast to those of the early nineteenth century. To men in the East, able to obtain current news, the difficulties caused by the Embargo and Non-Importation acts were a sad worry; but to the merchants in the hinterland, often little more than agents for eastern firms, these regulations were a matter of utmost confusion and concern.