method offers to a student who wants to go into details. For purposes of reference and from the point of view of a general survey STEIN'S publications are unsurpassed, though a certain amount of repetition is of course unavoidable. That the planning of this publication is far below STEIN'S standard I am the first to confess. And that in other respects my treatment of the subject has been somewhat dry and lacking in imagination is of course solely my responsibility.
In coming, now, to thank all those who have contributed to the completion of the book I must first and foremost address myself to SVEN HEDIN, without whose initiative it would never have been possible. I owe a great and deep dept of gratitude to this Nestor of Asiatic exploration in my capacity of participant in his last big expeditions in Asia. With his youthful enthusiasm, boundless optimism and profound experience he was an unfailing source of inspiration, and a sure and steady support. Impossibilities simply did not exist for him. Difficulties that seemed insuperable to us others, he overcame. Here, at home in Sweden, he has never tired of encouraging me and guiding me in my work, and has always met my faults and defects with incredible patience and f orebearance.
As this book is devoted to the archaeology of Sinkiang, it is also my pleasant duty to express my homage to him as one of the first Europeans to make archaeological discoveries in this vast country, which by reason of its remoteness had been in every respect an unknown territory for Occidentals. We Swedes shall not forget that his contribution also in the region of Central Asian archaeology has been that of the pioneer, and that his researches here have priority over those of many foreigners who have since reaped laurels in his footsteps.
On my return from Asia, Professor J. G. ANDERSSON showed the greatest kindness in placing at my disposal in the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities (Östasiatiska Samlingarna) not only working room, but also all the advantages that this institution has to offer. Before a State subvention was granted for the scientific examination of our collections he provided funds to enable me to make a start. It has been a great privilege for me in connection with the text of the section on painted ceramics to have the criticism of one with such profound knowledge of these matters as he. I am glad of this opportunity of expressing my warm gratitude to him.
Most of the work on the grave-finds from Lop-nor here described took place during Prof. ANDERSSON'S last journey to China, when Professor BERNHARD KARLGREN held the position of Curator of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities. To him I owe many thanks for his unfailing kindness and his readiness to help me in linguistic and historical questions. I am also obliged to him for criticism of a part of the text.
My former colleagues on the expeditions have all contributed in one way or another to this publication, either by collections or by good advice. Especially must I express my gratitude to NILS HÖRNER for his collections of archaeological objects
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