In connection with the illustrations, special thanks must be given to Monsieur Maurice Sand, the Editor of the _Review of the University of Brussels_, for his kind permission to reproduce a number of the figures used to illustrate a translation of Sir George Darwin's article. These are Figures 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 46, 48, 62, 63, and 82. Acknowledgments are due to Mr. St. John Hope for Figures 86-8, to Messrs. A. & C. Black for Figures 123 and 124 and 132 and 133, and to Messrs. Prewett & Co. for Figures 111 and 112. For the original of Plate II, I am indebted to the kindness of Captain R. Ford, of Plate III to Mr. Henry Stevens; Plate IV has been taken from a brass rubbing in Rugby School Museum, through the kind offices of Mr. J. M. Hardwich. I have to thank Mr. R. Bamber for the original of Plate VIII, which was obtained through his instrumentality. Figure B of Plate IX was kindly contributed by the Rev. A. W. Upcott, Head Master of Christ's Hospital, and Figures B and C on Plate X were copied from Moseley's "Voyage of the 'Challenger,'" by the kind permission of Mr. John Murray, while Figure D is due to the courtesy of General Robley. Plate XI is reprinted from _The Reliquary_, by the kind permission of Messrs. Bemrose and Sons, and the source of other illustrations is acknowledged beneath them, while the classic collection of pictures which were brought together by the late Mr. F. W. Fairholt to illustrate his "Costume in England" has proved, as will be seen, of the utmost service. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in calling attention to the time and care which Mr. W. J. Webb has expended upon the figures, which are a feature of the book; and I must mention the willing help which I have been afforded in a number of details by Miss Amy Astbury and Mr. Bernard Weaver. WILFRED MARK WEBB. ODSTOCK, HANWELL, _November, 1907_. CONTENTS I THE THRALL OF DRESS PAGE The principles of evolution applied to clothes 1 II THE ORIGIN OF DRESS 6 III DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODERN COAT The ancestral shawl--Problematical buttons 15 IV BUTTONS AS CHRONICLES Episodes in the later history of the coat and cuffs 25 V COLLARS AND BANDS Nicks in coat lapels--The why and wherefore of the white shirt front 41 VI VESTIGES IN THE HAT How hats were evolved--Why plumes are on the left side--The growth of the busby--Helmets and cocked hats 49 VII SHOES AND STOCKINGS Early foot-gear--The origin of the clock--A modern imitation of tattooing--Gaily coloured garters 62