232 LIFE OF ELIE METCHNIKOFF 



As I look back upon my life, it seems to me to have been 

 as " orthobiotic " as possible. 



If it may seem premature to die at 68 years and 5 months, 

 it must not be forgotten that I began to live very early (I 

 published my first scientific work at 18) ; that I have had 

 many emotions during my life ; that I was, so to speak, in a 

 state of continual ebullition. 



The polemics concerning phagocytosis might have killed or 

 finally enfeebled me much earlier. At times (for instance, I 

 refer to Lubarsch's attacks in 1889 and those of Pfeiffer 

 in 1894) I was ready to rid myself of life. 



Moreover, I only began to follow a rational hygiene (accord- 

 ing to my opinion) after I was 53 years old and already had 

 symptoms of arterio-sclerosis. I have been fairly successful 

 in combating intestinal putrefaction (phenols and indols),^ 

 but I could not succeed in getting rid of abundant Clostridium 

 butyricum which were implanted in my intestine. 



To sum up, I rejoice that I have had an existence not devoid 

 of sense, and I feel some satisfaction in considering my con- 

 ception of the problem of Ufe as being accurate. 



As I prepare to die, I have not the shadow of a hope of a 

 life beyond, and I cabnly look forward to complete annihilation. 



It is possible that having very early begun a very intense 

 life, I have attained at 68 a precocious satiety of living, just 

 as certain women cease to menstruate earlier than the great 

 majority. El. Metchnikofp. 



P.S. — I believe everything is in order in view of my end 

 (my will, my affairs, etc.). 



P.S. — Let those who think that, according to my principles, 

 I should have lived a hundred years, " forgive " me my pre- 

 mature end in view of the extenuating circumstances above- 

 mentioned (intense and precocious activity, excitable tempera- 

 ment, nervous disposition, and late beginning of the rational 

 diet). B. M. 



^ 28th June 1914. — I have again analysed my uiine and I again find 

 indican in fairly large quantities in spite of a diet which is as rational m 

 possible. I am trying to elucidate this strange contradiction. 



