This Index volume is issued in response to a repeatedly expressed demand both in England and the United States. I am sure that it will make the information contained in the nine volumes of the History more easily accessible; for the compiler, Mr. E. Petton, has had great experience in the compilation of indices to legal works.
The History covers a wide field and a long period of time ; and, since even the author has found the want of a consolidated index, it is obvious that it is absolutely necessary for other readers. I think and hope that students of legal history who use my book will have cause to bless Mr. Potton's name.
Mr. Potton has done a great deal more than merely collect into one whole the indices and lists of cases and statutes appended to each of the nine volumes of the History. He has checked the old entries in the indices, he has inserted new entries, and he has amended their wording.
In the list of cases he has added the anonymous cases, all of which were omitted in the old lists, and he has identified them by their date and the reporter's name. I am sure that all my readers will agree that his skilful and painstaking work has enormously increased the value of the History.
W.S. Holdsworth Oxford, June , 1932
A full Index to the History was published as Volume 17, in 1972, edited by John Burke
