Abstract：[Purpose/significance] This paper puts forward the proposition that the collection and analysis of research documentation is the basis of academic research, and that first-hand documentations are of extreme importance in aca? demic research. [Method /process] The article discusses from three aspects, including what is first-hand documenta? tions, why first-hand documentation should be used, how to use first-hand documentations, and combines 13 cases to explain the combination of theory and practice.[Result/conclusion] In terms of nature and characteristics, the firsthand documentation has three characteristics of the source data, the original data and the eyedata; from the perspective of academic value, the first- hand documentation is conducive to academic innovation, academic discovery and the most authentic original appearance and integrity; from the perspective of the use method, it is necessary to pay attention to the comprehensiveness and diversity of the first-hand documentations, and uphold the spirit of skepticism and care? ful verification attitude, and put forward requirements for the use of quasi-first-hand documentations.