The historians will allow you to commit objects to be studied, temporarily removing them from play. This object will then need to be moved along the research track. However, the pursuit of knowledge isn't' free, and to fund your research, you'll have to pay with Prestige Points. Once the object reaches the end of the track, your Historian will have unlocked all of its secrets. This will earn you an Expertise Emblem, either from the Object's Civilisation or Domain. At the end of the game, any collections of the corresponding Civilisation or Domain that you score will be worth additional points.