This introductory page is inserted, not with the purpose of reviewing the contents of the book—a custom, to our mind, more honored in the breach than the observance—but merely to inform those who look within the pages, the seekers after knowledge concerning the laws of Oneirology and the bases of Fortune Telling, that they will find much to instruct, interest and amuse. While avoiding undue prolixity, the subjects are comprehensively and exhaustively treated, proving it to be more valuable as a book of reference than any other of similar character ever before given to the public.
Although much prejudice exists as to the origination of Dreams and the various interpretations given them, the fact is incontrovertible that they have, in all ages and among all nations, borne a conspicuous part in shaping destinies. Both sacred and profane history is replete with dreams which have had more or less influence upon the lives of the dreamers. Innumerable are the instances in which have been prefigured in dreams occurrences that have actually taken place, and many dangers have been averted by heeding warnings given during sleep. Of course it would be unwise to place full credence in the prognostications of all dreams, and equally so to totally disregard them. To both the educated and the illiterate, dreams, of whatever nature, point a moral; and those who heedlessly ignore their lessons often experience cause for regret. Appended will be found a succinct compendium of the scientific and philosophic researches of many gifted in the art of divination.