Elements of Physical Biology by Alfred J. Lotka

The preface is that part of a book which is written last, placed first, and read least. As I approach my concluding task I am moved to reflect why a preface should be written at all. This question, if followed into all the intricacies of which it holds potentiality, should apparently result in a composition new in literature, a Preface to the Preface. Such precedent should not be lightly established, for it suggests a vista of future degenerations after the pattern of Josiah Royce's infinite succession of maps, each containing within Itself its own replica on a reduced scale. But without going to such lengths as this, the philosophy of the preface may perhaps briefly be summarized to this effect, that It is the author's subjective introduction, to the more objective matter that should follow. Here he may, if this is deemed of any interest, say something regarding the circumstances that gave origin to the work, and the conditions under which it came into being. He may express his feelings as to its alleged purpose, and may follow custom by giving voice to pious wishes as to the function which the product of his presumptive mind may fulfill in an Universe in which no event, however trivial be it no more than the addition of one more book to the groaning library shelves is without distant reverberations.