Let us not forget that by reason of a constant transition, each state borrows the form of its kindred state.  Thus the normal state can take the concentric and eccentric form, and become at the same time, doubly normal; that is, normal to the highest degree.  Since each state can take the form of the two others, the result is nine distinct gestures, which form that marvelous accord of nine, which we call the universal criterion.

In fine, here is the grand law of organic gymnastics: 

The triple movement, the triple language of the organs is eccentric, concentric, or normal, according as it is the expression of life, soul or spirit.

Under the influence, the occult inspiration of this law, the great masters have enriched the world with miracles of art.  Aided by this law the course followed in this work, may be easily understood.

Since eloquence is composed of three languages, we divide this work into three books in which voice, gesture and speech are studied by turns.  Then, applying to them the great law of art, our task is accomplished.

The advantages of this method are easily understood.  There is given a type of expression not taken from the individual, but from human nature synthetized.  Thus the student will not have the humiliation of being the slave or ape of any particular master.  He will be only himself.  Those who assimilate their imperfect natures to the perfect type will become orators. Fiunt Oratores.

Success having attended the first efforts, let the would-be orator assimilate these rules, and his power will be doubled, aye increased a hundredfold.  And thus having become an orator, a man of principle, who knows how to speak well, he will aid in the triumph of religion, justice and virtue.

Part First.

Voice

Chapter I.

Preliminary Ideas—­criterion of the Oratorical Art.

Let us note an incontestable fact.  The science of the Art of Oratory has not yet been taught.  Hitherto genius alone, and not science, has made great orators.  Horace, Quintilian and Cicero among the ancients, and numerous modern writers have treated of oratory as an art.  We admire their writings, but this is not science; here we seek in vain the fundamental laws whence their teachings proceed.  There is no science without principles which give a reason for its facts.  Hence to teach and to learn the art of oratory, it is necessary: 

1.  To understand the general law which controls the movements of the organs;

2.  To apply this general law to the movements of each particular organ;

3.  To understand the meaning of the form of each of these movements;

4.  To adapt this meaning to each of the different states of the soul.

The fundamental law, whose stamp every one of these organs bears, must be kept carefully in mind.  Here is the formula: