IISTTRODUCTIOK 



No apology is needed in presenting this book to sci- 

 ence and the pubHc. The theory is new, but the argu- 

 ments are forceful and the proofs decisive. The discov- 

 ery unfolded is of interest to all humanity, because it 

 marks an advance in science and opens a new era of 

 health and happiness. 



The object I have in view is plain and can be readily 

 defined. Circumstances of early life placed me in close 

 commune with Nature. I studied her ways and observed 

 her laws, little thinking at the time that the lessons 

 learned amid plants and flowers would ultimately lead to 

 results of vast importance to myself and later to the 

 whole world. Business considerations first set me on the 

 path, a tasteful interest held me to it with steadfast care, 

 and the prospect of a brilliant discovery in the distance 

 furnished energy and zeal to progress toward what prom- 

 ised an enduring benefit to all mankind. 



After long and careful experiments, after days and 

 nights of anxious toil, fraught with delusions and disap- 

 pointments which only scientists can comprehend, the 

 goal was reached. The efforts of opponents and rivals to 

 thwart my success failed. Their warfare has changed 

 to respectful admiratiou, if not always silence, and ere a 

 decade passes they will join hands with me in hastening 

 the ever onward march of science. 



Many men, among them some of the most prominent 

 in the field of science, elaborate a theory and then work 

 with one end in view till they establish it, or think they 

 establish it. My methods were not of that character. 

 I fashioned no hypothesis. I did not look for something 

 previously outlined in the mind. I simply studied and 

 investigated, and the light at length broke in upon me 



