In current genealogy terminology, we say that information is primary or secondary. Generally speaking primary information is provided by someone who has firsthand knowledge of the "item" and is in a condition to accurately remember the information.
Otherwise it's secondary.
Classifying information as primary or secondary is no guarantee of whether it is accurate or not accurate. That's why we analyze and interpret what we find.
I thought primary information was one who witnessed the event...
ReplyDeleteThat may be a reference to some type of "primary informant." Someone who has firsthand knowledge usually witnessed the event.
Delete