Note 2 — Chapter I

Although Dominic was both the projector of the Inquisition, and the first Inquisitor, historians differ as to the year when that iniquitous court was first erected; some fixing the date of its establishment so early as in 1208, others in 1212, and not a few in the year above mentioned. This, however, can be but of little moment. It was in the beginning of the thirteenth century, "in an evil hour," to use the words of a late eminent and lamented author, "and under some planet of malignant aspect and of disastrous influence," that St. Dominic, the father of the Inquisition, arose.