The author wishes here, also, to express gratitude to many who have
not figured by name in the "A.B.-Z.," or elsewhere herein, but whose
assistance, encouragement, criticism, and example have helped the
cause along in one way or another. Of these many friends a few are
quickly recalled, but not necessarily in the order of their friendly
service. To John H. Patterson, Esquire, of Dayton, Ohio; Col. James F.
O'Shaughnessy, of New York; Stewart Chisholm, Esquire, of Cleveland,
Ohio; Fred E. Wadsworth, Esquire, of Detroit, Michigan; and Henry C.
Butcher, Esquire, of Philadelphia, are due much for encouragement
in pursuing the investigation at critical moments of the struggle;
as well as to Hon. William J. Van Patten, of Burlington, Vermont,
whose interest in the "A.B.C. Series" began with "Menticulture" and
has continued unabated. In Dr. Swan M. Burnett, of Washington, D. C.,
has been enjoyed a mentor with great scientific discrimination and
a sympathy in the refinements of art and sentiment, as expressed in
Japanese æsthetic civilisation, which has been extremely encouraging
and most inspiring in relation to the whole A.B.C. idea.
From Gervais Kerr, Esquire, of Venice, came one of the important
suggestions incorporated in the A.B.-Z. Primer; and the young Venetian
artist, E. C. Leon Boehm, rendered great service in studying habits of
dietetics among the peoples of the Balkan Peninsular, in Turkey, along
the Dalmatian Coast, and in Croatia.
Prof. William James, of Harvard University, in his Gifford Lectures
at the University of Edinburg, Scotland, published under the title
of "The Varieties of Religious Experience," gave the practical
reformatory effort of the "A.B.C. Series" a great impetus by quoting
approvingly from "Menticulture" and "Happiness." Coming from a teacher
of philosophy and psychology, with a physiological training and an
M.D. degree to support the approval, recognition is much appreciated;
but, in addition to his published utterances, Dr. James has followed
the psycho-physiological studies of the movement with interest, and
has given much valued encouragement.
This does not begin to complete the list of those to whom the author
owes a debt of especial gratitude. The argus-eyed vigilance of the
collectors and doctors of world-news, who mould public opinion
in a great measure, has brought to the cause of dietetic reform
established upon an æsthetic basis their kindly assistance, but, as
usual, they prefer to remain _incog._ In this seclusion, however,
Ralph D. Blumenfeld, Esquire, of London, and Roswell Martin Field,
Esquire, of Chicago, cannot be included; neither can Charles Jay
Taylor, the originator of the Taylor-Maid girl. James P. Reilly,
Esquire, of New York, has lightened the labours of the investigator,
and has strengthened his arm in many ways; as have also Messrs. B.
F. Stevens and Brown, of London, not alone as most efficient agents,
but as friends interested in the cause in hand. In the various books
of the series opportunity has occurred to express appreciation of
many sympathetic friendships, and in heart and memory they hold
perpetual carnival. To Major Thomas E. Davis, of the _New Orleans
Picayune_, is due more than mere expression of gratitude for excellent
editorials on our subject; and across the ocean, Sir Thomas Barlow,
the private physician of King Edward VII, Dr. Leonard Huxley, Prof.
Alfred Marshall, of Cambridge University, and Reginald Barratt,
Esquire, of London, have been most sympathetic and assistful. On both
sides of the waters, William Dana Orcutt, Esquire, of The University
Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Frederick A. Stokes, Esquire,
of New York, have added friendship for the cause to much appreciated
practical assistance.
These and many others are preferred-creditors of gratitude, in
addition to those whose mention is embodied elsewhere in the various
books of the "Series."
As attempted to be shown in the "A.B.-Z.," under the caption "Bunching
Hits and Personal Umpiring," this study of menticulture from the
basis of economic and epicurean nutrition, in connection with a
purified exterior and interior environment, is "team-work," as in
football, cricket, or base-ball, and a laudable enthusiasm is an
important feature of the game; hence, to conclude, this especial
book, being a personal confession, relaxation, effusion, expansion,
as it were, of the practical benefits of economic body nutrition and
_menti-nutrition_, it seems the appropriate place to offer personal
tribute outside and inside the intimate family relations, as freely as
menticultural impulse may suggest.