T PROLOGUE. HE title of this work was copyrighted in 1904 A. D. as "Fidelity and the Pocket-book." If you own that book to sell, and it does not sell well, you can write the the title to read, The Pocket-book, disregarding the sarcasm that might be invoked from the oft made quotation of doubtful truth, "He who steals my pocket-book steals trash, but he who steals my good name steals that" etc. Artless simplicity, and disingenuousness, fidelity, and infidelity these conditions have somewhat of influence in answering Shakespear's great question "To be, or The writer directs the use of quotation marks where in this publication he has used the writings of others instead of formulating his own language to make similar statements. For purposes of obtaining information to use in this work the assistance of an encyclopædia has not been sought; therefore none of the great encyclopædias are to blame for errors printed in this publication. An unabridged dictionary has not been used for reference in writing this work; such a publication has been used when writing a supercilious correspondence. The essay elements was written without the use of the word steganography, this word is a sample of similar words; floated from some foreign language to flood Old Noah's anglo (that this Noah's other name was Webster is usually well known.) It was unknown, as to the absolute truth of the statistics given, but it is intended to be a correct copy; such statistics as they are, may be found in an Almanac by knowing the Almanac, and where to find such Almanac. It is intended to have this book dogmatic enough to prevent its being entirely a disappointment to dogmatists, with whom it. is hoped it will meet with some favor; let us hope, great favor. Reiterations and amplifications may be made very beautiful by those who have the talent to do it well; as note the following selection describing the supposed wisdom of the ancients, as a truth. Pythagoras had collected all the stories of human learning, and had reduced them into a rational and useful body of science; like our glorious Bacon he had led philosophy forth from the jargon of schools, and the fopperys of sects. He had made her what she was originally intended to be, the handmaid of nature ; friendly to her creatures and faihtful to her laws. Whatever knowledge could be gained by human industry, by the most extensive inquiry, and observation, he had every means and opportunity to obtain. The priests of Egypt unfolded to him their mysteries, and their learning; they led him through their records of the remotest antiquity, and opened all stores of science amassing through a multitude of ages. The Magii of Persia co-operated with the priests of Egypt in the instruction of this wonderful philosopher. They brought him those higher parts of science, for which they were themselves so distinguished; astronomy |