From the beginning of his research, Ginzburg has sought ways out of the dilemma of merely contrasting "irrationalism" and "rationalism." His investigation into evidence preservation in science is the most visible and consequential proof of this. This evidence preservation begins in the 19th century with the art historian Morelli, who first used minor details for the attribution of paintings. Ginzburg then describes the two decisive new historical approaches of modern times, the schools of Marc Bloch and Aby Warburg.