fact and to evidence. My name, like yours, is TRUTH-
SEEKER.[1] My mission is written in these words of the law:
SPEAK WITHOUT HATRED AND WITHOUT FEAR; TELL THAT WHICH THOU
KNOWEST! The work of our race is to build the temple of
science, and this science includes man and Nature. Now, truth
reveals itself to all; to-day to Newton and Pascal, tomorrow to
the herdsman in the valley and the journeyman in the shop. Each
one contributes his stone to the edifice; and, his task
accomplished, disappears. Eternity precedes us, eternity follows
us: between two infinites, of what account is one poor mortal
that the century should inquire about him?

[1] In Greek, {GREEK e ncg } examiner; a philosopher whose
business is to seek the truth.




Disregard then, reader, my title and my character, and attend
only to my arguments. It is in accordance with universal consent
that I undertake to correct universal error; from the OPINION
of the human race I appeal to its FAITH. Have the courage to
follow me; and, if your will is untrammelled, if your conscience
is free, if your mind can unite two propositions and deduce a
third therefrom, my ideas will inevitably become yours. In
beginning by giving you my last word, it was my purpose to warn
you, not to defy you; for I am certain that, if you read me, you
will be compelled to assent. The things of which I am to speak
are so simple and clear that you will be astonished at not having
perceived them before, and you will say: "I have neglected to