Statement by T. H. Burgoyne | Note by H.P.B.
To the American Members of the H. B. of L.
…
Those members who have read and thought upon the work just issued to them, The Mysteries of Eros, will see that I have therein but briefly outlined a few of the first principles, as it were—the Alphabet only—of Occultism. I am, therefore, preparing an elaborate course of lessons giving the theoretical and meaning the practical secrets of the science, which I am about to teach in connection with a series of lessons on the Ancient Chaldean Astrology. This system of Chaldean Astrology constitutes the basic principles from which all doctrines, theories, systems and practices radiate, and cannot be found in published works. I have thoroughly elucidated this science in the lessons, after eighteen years of incessant labour, study and practice.1 Apart also from this series of lessons, I have in preparation a Special Course upon Egyptian and Chaldean Magic, which will follow as a natural sequence. . . .
1. This guru must have begun then his “incessant labour, study and practice” when ten years of age (?). For, in the “Extract from a report of the proceedings at the Leeds Borough Sessions in the Leeds Mercury of January 10, 1883,” before us, we find that one Thomas Henry Dalton, later alias d’Alton, alias Burgoyne, alias Corrini, Stella, etc., etc., grocer, was in that year 27 years old. We have undeniable proofs corroborated by a photograph that the “Burgoyne” of the “H. B. of L.,” Dalton the enterprising (grocer) of Leeds, and the author of The Light of Egypt—helped of course by several others whom we know—are identical.—Ed. [H.P.B.]