"...At the present time the words "occult science" are apt to arouse the most varied feelings. Upon some people they work like a magic charm like the announcement of something to which they feel attracted by the innermost powers of their soul; to others there is in the words something repellent calling forth contempt derision or a compassionate smile. By many occult science is looked upon as a lofty goal of human effort the crown of all other knowledge and cognition; others who are devoting themselves with the greatest earnestness and noble love of truth to that which appears to them true science deem occult science mere idle dreaming and fantasy in the same category with what is called superstition. To some occult science is like a light without which life would be valueless; to others it represents a spiritual danger calculated to lead astray immature minds and weak souls while between these two extremes is to be found every possible intermediate shade of opinion..."