Hi I am trying to install A new light fixture in my Apt. it has to be 100 years old or better. My question is the wires are the same color and there is no ground wire how do I know witch is witch I know the black is the hot and the white is neutral on my new light does it matter what wire hooks up to each other/ Thanks in advance

Yes it does matter which wire of the fixture gets connected to the hot. If the socket gets miswired, the inner shell of the socket can become hot, instead of the small eyelet contact at the bottom, which is intended to be the live contact.

I attached a picture of a Voltage Proximity Tester. This type of tester allows voltage to be detected in a wire without actually touching the wire. These can be found at hardware stores, etc.

Separate the wires and wave the tester next to each wire, only one wire will have an effect on the tester.

If you already have a voltmeter with test leads, then all you can do is to run a temp wire to extend one of the test leads to a grounded surface, such as a faucet at a sink, a radiator,etc.

Hope this helps.