Translated from the French by David Bellos
To Denis Buffard Incalculable are the benefits civilization has brought us, incommensurable the productive power of all classes of riches originated by the inventions and discoveries of science. Inconceivable the marvellous creations of the human sex in order to make men more happy, more free, and more perfect. Without parallel the crystalline and fecund fountainsof the new life which still remains closed to the thirsty lips of the people who follow in their griping and bestial tasks. - Malcolm Lowry