INTRODUCTION.

It has been the custom in the preceding four volumes of these published Ancient Laws and Institutions of Ireland to prefix a somewhat lengthy Introduction of a general nature, explaining the various problems raised by the form or the contents of each work. These introductions make it unnecessary for me to investigate the matters treated by the previous editors, especially since it is my intention to perform an independent examination of the subject in a separate work.

Of the tracts printed in this Volume V, the two treatises first in order—the Small Primer (pp. 1–116) and the Heptads (pp. 118–374)—were evidently each intended as a kind of manual (a handbook for practical reference) and were likely used as such in the Brehon (Irish law) schools. Thus, their study should provide a fuller insight into the general direction of Brehon thought and procedure. The third tract, on the "Judgements about the Interest of Pledges" (pp. 376–423), is also a more or less complete treatise on the subject discussed, and indeed it is referred to elsewhere in the law-fragments under its proper name.

The two remaining treatises, "On the Confirmation of Right and Law" (pp. 426–493) and "On the Removal of Covenants" (pp. 496–521), are not as fully elaborated into manuals and contain many details that might have appeared under other headings. However, in the current state of our knowledge regarding these early laws and customs, it is almost impossible to say what is or is not relevant and important. Closer investigation of each main topic will, no doubt, clear up many difficulties and enable the reader to realize the significance of much that now seems like insignificant detail.