Under the title of Last Essays are gathered the various articles and lectures which Mr. Henri Poincare himself had intended should form the fourth volume of his writings on the philosophy of science. All previous essays and articles had already been included in that series.
It would be superfluous to point to the amazing success of the first three volumes. In these Poincare, as the most illustrious modern mathematician, proved to be an eminent philosopher and an author whose writings profoundly influence human thought.
It is very likely that if Henri Poincare had published this volume himself, he would have modified certain details, and eliminated some repetitions. But it seemed to us that the respect due to the memory of this great man should forbid any editing of his text.
It seemed equally superfluous to preface this volume with commentaries on the works of Henri Poincare. These have been evaluated by scholars and any commentary could not possibly increase the glory of this great genius.