Ranke, Leopold von, << RAHNG kuh, LAY oh pohlt fuhn >> (1795-1886), a German historian, persuaded historians to use critical methods and examine history scientifically. He introduced the seminar method of teaching. After 1840, his methods were largely used in teaching German historians. Ranke was born at Wiehe, in Thuringia. His first book, History of the Romance and Teutonic Nations, appeared in 1824. His other published works include a three-volume History of the Popes (1834-1836), and a nine-volume World History (1881-1888) that covers events up to the end of the 1400’s. See also History (History in the universities) .
