Heraldry is that Art of which the rules and the laws govern the use, display, meaning, and knowledge of the pictured signs and emblems appertaining to shield, helmet, or banner. Too frequently it is the custom to consider the study of the science of Armory as the study of a subject which has passed beyond the limits of practical history.

Heraldry has been termed "The Shorthand of History", but nevertheless the study of that shorthand has been approached too often as if it were but the study of a dead language.

Taking that as a definition of a Coat of Arms, one can and should recognise that the origin of coat armour, as a science, is to be found in the personal devices, banners, coins,etc.

The date and the manner of the origin of Heraldry has been a matter of much speculation. The point, which perhaps is the most important, is the patent fact that Heraldry and Armory are not a dead science, but are an actual living reality.

There can be very little doubt that the "Display of Heraldry" is an accurate representation of the laws of Armory which governed the use of Arms.