1899] 



A THEORY OF SLEEP 



i39 



only for the last twenty or thirty years, and that beneath the shade of 

 a most complete and dispiriting peace. There is a lack of teachers, 

 books, laboratories, and intellectual vigour — the latter chiefly. Con- 

 sequently, although it would make me happy, I dare not beg for the 

 protection of the learned foreign corporations, considering myself un- 

 qualified for it, but I will at least beg that some indulgence be shown 

 regarding the imperfections with which all my works do surely abound. 



Mexico, April 30, 1899. 



