The main aspects of the study are: the relationship and intersection of human families, the fact of origin of specific individuals, the establishment of family ties and the formation of family ancestry and family lists.
The object of scientific activity is the society, or rather the society of people within the same family lineage and historical sources proving the connection of generations and kinship. Within the limits of this science the narrower direction – genetic genealogy is allocated. It studies a person’s DNA to establish kinship.
Functions of genealogy
- Research. The information obtained acts as a constituent element necessary for such sciences as ethnography and onomastics. Also this direction is the basis for history, literature, local history and other social sciences and humanities.
- Hereditary. Being a fundamental function, it gave rise to genealogy as a science. Its peculiarity consists in ascertaining the fact of kinship with preceding generations.
- Legal. Due to the fact of establishment of kinship, allows to prove the right of inheritance and disposal of movable and immovable property.
- Biographic. Allows to form a biography of individuals in the family and the entire dynasty of the family.
- Medical. Thanks to getting the information about your ancestors’ health condition you can timely diagnose the diseases being inherited and take necessary steps to preserve your health.
Methods of genealogy
- In medieval times, the original study of genealogies consisted of heralds collecting information from representatives of noble dynasties. As data accumulated, it was formed into archives. Today, interaction with archival information is the most sought-after among researchers.
- Thanks to the development of scientific and technological progress, and in particular computer technology and the Internet, various sources containing a huge amount of information about family trees have appeared on the web. Thanks to such databases even an amateur can get information about his ancestors and make a family tree.
- Genetic genealogy uses laboratory studies of a person’s DNA to accurately establish the relationship.
- A specialized system of symbols and numbering of persons in genealogical tables is used in the practical discipline of history.