[[p. (v)]] Having had the opportunity of reading the proofs of the present volume (the author of which is unknown to me), I have been asked by the publisher to say a few words by way of introduction.

     It was well observed by the late Dr. W. B. Carpenter that new and startling facts, however well attested, are often rejected because they are held to be opposed to the indisputable conclusions of science; hence people find that "there is no place in the fabric of their thought into which such facts can be fitted," and until such a place is made for them further evidence of the same nature is useless. One great merit of the present work is, that it overcomes this initial difficulty by showing that the facts of psychical research and modern spiritualism are really in harmony with the most advanced conclusions of science, and especially with modern conceptions as to the constitution of matter and of ether.

     Taking these facts and conclusions as starting-points, the author develops, with great lucidity, a philosophy of the universe and of human nature in [[p. vi]] its threefold aspect of body, soul, and spirit. He shows how we are thus led to a Religion of Natural Law, which, when thoroughly realised, becomes a sure guide to right action both for individuals and communities, and often affords a clue to the solution of the most vital political and social problems.

     The tone of the work is throughout sympathetic and elevated. It is full of suggestive ideas and high moral teachings; and it is well calculated to raise the ethical standard of public life, and thus assist in the development of a higher civilisation.

Alfred R. Wallace.
October 1895.