Of a prying disposition, he saw all that he could of the varied political, literary, and social life of England; and has recorded what he saw in a diary so quaint, simple, and amusing, that it has retained its popularity to the present day, and has greatly aided the historian both in facts and philosophy.

He held an official position as secretary in the admiralty, the duties of which he discharged with great system and skill.

In addition to this _Diary_, we have also his _Correspondence_, published after his death, which is historically of great importance.

In both diary and correspondence he has the charm of great _naivete_,--as of a curious and gossiping observer, who never dreamed that his writings would be made public.

Men and women of social station are painted in pre-Raphaelite style, and figure before us with great truth and vividness.
_Elias Ashmole_, 1617-1693.