Primary sources are those created contemporaneously to whatever period a researcher is studying. In contrast to secondary sources, they don't provide any analysis on a given topic after the fact; instead, they reflect on information or events as they unfolded (for example, a newspaper article, from the time of a particular historical event, discussing the historical event as it happened). Primary sources are especially useful for researchers because they reveal how certain topics and ideas were understood during a specific time and place. The particular primary sources you might use in your research, as well as how you find them, can vary a lot based on your field of study. This guide aims to provide helpful information on where to go about searching for primary sources
What is a Primary Resource?
Each academic discipline or field defines and uses primary sources differently. Therefore, the definition of a primary source is contextual and dependent on that specific discipline or field of inquiry. Furthermore, any definition of primary sources also includes distinguishing them from secondary sources. Some disciplines use the term tertiary sources which typically include all three types (primary & secondary).
The humanities and the arts define primary sources as text, images, artifacts, and architecture (any material) that conveys the experience or life at time they are from.
The sciences define primary sources as original research.
The social sciences define primary sources similar to both the humanities, sciences, and author created data/evidence. They depend on the nature of the inquiry and research methodology.
The health sciences define primary sources as original research.
Examples of Primary Resources
Walden by Henry David Thoreau published in 2016, is a primary resource as the text was written in 1897, and offers insight into life in rural Massachusetts in the late 19th century.
Rembrandt van Rijn, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp, 1632. This painting is a good visual example of medical history in 17th century Holland.
Ledgers of imports and exports, 1731, Held by The National Archives, Kew Gardens. This is a digital scan of an original ledger of imports and exports to London in 1731. This can give us a general idea of what trade looks like in 18th-Century England.
Tapestry Room from Croome Court, Various artists/makers, This was designed in 1763–1771, . Around 1902 the ninth Earl sold the tapestries and seating to a Parisian dealer. The Samuel H. Kress Foundation purchased the ceiling, floor, chimneypiece, chair rails, doors and door surrounds in 1949; they were donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in 1958. This room provides insight as to what an 18th-century Country house room might look, and help historians understand domestic life.