Preface to aTwenty Volume Suicide Note. The world is a great
volume, and man the index of that book. When we run over
libraries, persuaded of these principles, what havoc must we
make? If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school
metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any
abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it
contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact or
existence? No.Commit itthen tothe flames: for it can contain
nothing but sophistry and illusion. To produce a mighty book,
you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can
ever be written on the flea, though many there be who have tried
it. 564 To be thoroughly conversant with a Man'sheart istotake
our final lesson in the iron-clasped volume of despair. Books of
poetry by young writersareusually promissory notes that are
never met. Now and then, however, one comes across a volume that
is so far above the average that one can hardly resist the
fascinating temptation of reckle