The objective of the study is to search for the framework and methodol
ogy of the historical study of information. The notion of 'the history
of information', proposed by Norman D. Stevens, is analysed and subje
cted to theoretical considerations. The historical works related to th
e history of information, including the works published in Japanese, a
re analyzed, and their properties and problems are pointed. Grouping t
hose works, five categories of factors in the history of information a
re identified, and their interrelations are listed. Categories identif
ied are: systems for information, the field of information science and
the notion of information, communication activities, whole bodies of
societies and politico-economical systems, knowledge in objective sens
e. The framework for the history of information is discussed with cons
ideration of the idea of 'informational conception of history' propose
d by Toshio Kitagawa. It is pointed that formation of the framework sh
ould be linked to fundamental studies of information phenomena. Some n
ormative studies for the historical study of information are reviewed,
and brief guidance to the future study is made.