What is an internal and external criticism? Why we need to study this?

The 'External Criticism' covers the physical examinations of sources like documents, manuscripts, books,
pamphlets, maps, inscriptions and monuments. In original documents it includes looking at the paper and ink
used whether or not it is within the same circa as the content of the work. Oftentimes it is more difficult to
establish the authenticity of manuscripts and records rather than documents simply because the printed
document has already been authenticated by the writer.

Internal Criticism Positive criticism refers to understanding of both literal and real meaning of words. A historian
therefore must be able to analyze and interpret the contents of documents in their real meaning. Document
contains the idea of the person who wrote or made the evidences, therefore they should be understood within
that context.

In conclusion, we need to study this because both internal and external criticism are important. Internal criticism
questions the credibility of the author and the primary source if it is genuine or fake. It determines the character
of the author and the corroboration. While external criticism deals with the problem of authenticity.