How would you describe what a historian does?

Question

What verb (English verb) means "to keep track of history"?

I've thought of "record historical data", but that just doesn't seem right.

I think a better way to phrase this question would be, "how would you describe what a historian does?"

Any help will be much appreciated

A historian usually analyses the history that someone else has already recorded. - ian-hill, Aug 1, 2011

And in some cases has been known to "re-write" it. - ian-hill, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 1

I would say they study, analyze, and research history.

Gracias, Austin - SonrisaDelSol, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 2

You "keep track" of anything that needs close attention. You can keep track of the time, keep track of data and so on. If you were to buy some books from Amazon or other big internet company you would be given information on how to track your parcel. If you were, say a detective trying to trace someone you would try to "track them down". Dogs that are used in hunting are called tracker dogs because they use their sense of smell to find out where the game is.

. On the other hand if don't pay enough attention you can "lose track" of something. "I completely lost track of the time because the conversation was so interesting.

. Anyway as said above a Historian chronicles and analyses events he deems significant.

Answer 3

Try chronicling history or chronicling historical events

Sounds good to me. - ian-hill, Aug 1, 2011

Great idea - SonrisaDelSol, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 4

Someone who is a historian may also engage in first hand research of events/people of historical significance.

Gracias, Elaine - SonrisaDelSol, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 5

to monitor ? (for anything that takes time)

Hmmm...that could work. - SonrisaDelSol, Aug 1, 2011

Answer 6

delete please