I´m a Science Geek and I´m proud of it.

In fact I don't know the science where so many different things must be unified to get some proper results.
For example I must be real expert in paleography to deal with German letters from 17th or 18th century. And trust me - I am. For I have spent years and years in archives of Vienna and Graz to conclude my master and PhD.
Of course comparative analysis and cross reference of different sources will give you idea about the stance of your hypothesis. You are always tending to find primal sources, and therefore paleography gains even more on importance. If you like I can send you some of my works.

I am not researching paleography as science, but just use it inside of my research of diplomacy in 18th century.  Your ex was the man, right on track. Take care.

laperouse: You're into history of 18th/19th century? I've always been very fascinated by Prussian history and also by Catherine the Great. But my main interest has always been the 20th century, from the Republic of Weimar right up to the Cold War.

We used to call the archeologists "our little helpers" at uni. Mean, I know, and most probably not true. But you know, there's that lovely little word in German: "Hilfswissenschaft", yes, "HILFSwissenschaft", therefore archeology is not a proper science.

No, we didn´t. my history lessons have always sucked. 
going back to original sources and critically analyse sources, is something you inevitable learn at the university when you are reading scientific literature. we also see a bit of it in the gymnasium, at larger projects. but actually I have never been taught it as a subject 

I´m really glad to hear your pupils are learning this. it is an really important thing to be able to do in all aspects of life.

I surely wish a lot of people here had learned that!. sometimes people believe the most ridiculously things, because they are not critical towards what they read.   

 Yes, M. I am in diplomatic history of 18th century. Mainly Austrian diplomacy exactly in the times of Maria Theresa and Joseph II, so Frederick II and Catherine II included.  I love all periods of German history, but the era of Austrian-Prussian duality is still my favourite. And Weimar is splendid, both in 18th century and in period 1919-1933. Yes, I share your opinion about Hilfswissenschaft.

edition.cnn.com/2012/10/01/tech/mantle-earth-drill-mission/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

this would be amazing!

Sorry, M. Somehow skipped this. Never been to Weimar, unfortunately. But I am aware of "potential" there. Love Sturm und Drang-era pretty much.