This is my first term assignment for the HIS 1543Y course, Topics in Material Culture, offered through the University of Toronto in Canada.

This assignment is a precursor to and basis for an original research paper and website to be produced in April of 2004.

This assignment has multiple objectives, all associated with the systematic analysis of an object or group of objects of my choice. My choice of objects is the musical box.

1. This assignment requires the development of an artifact analysis methodology appropriate to my objects.
   
2. Based on the application of this methodology, the questions that arise will form the basis for a tentative thesis statement for the research paper due in April.
   
3. Finally, an annotated bibliography of the secondary sources associated with my objects and research topic is required.