Chapter I: Preliminary Considerations

Occidental conceptions of the recent history of Japan--Japan seems to be contradicting our theory of national evolution--Similarities of ancient and modern Japan--Japanese evolution is "natural"--The study of Japanese social evolution is of unusual interest, because it has experienced such marked changes--Because it is now in a stage of rapid growth--And is taking place before our eyes--Also because here is taking place a unique union of Occidental and Oriental civilizations--Comparison between India and Japan, 23