this life) joined with the strong propensity of nature, I might perhaps leave something so written to after times, that they should not willingly let it die. Each year that I continued my studies, which embraced not only the collection and assimilation of facts, but their classification and the formation of deductions therefrom, the more firmly I become impressed with the idea of turning the electric light of induction along the path of prophecy, rather than merely illuminating therewith the fogs of history.
To closeness, and the bettering of my mind,'
set about this problem. Ample means, an excellent constitution, and correct and regular habits, have enabled me to accomplish during the past fifty years—for through so long a time have I been striving for my object—much more than is given to most men to do, and more even than I had given myself reason to expect or hope. We now stand in 'this narrow isthmus 'twixt two boundless seas, the past, the future, two eternities.' I have explored them both.
"But I detect in your manner an impatience which I cannot condemn, and shall plunge at once into an explanation of my methods, leav-
