Thus I have thought fit to make for the Prince[5] a book on the soul, in the form of a compendium; and I ask the Most High God to prolong his life, to keep intact from the evil eye his frail and mortal body, to refresh through him wisdom after its fading, to revive it after its languishing, to renew its might through his might, and to give it length of days through length of days to him, in order that by his prestige the advantages accruing from the prestige of its kin shall become all-embracing, and that the number of the seekers after its fullness shall abound. Nor shall I achieve this my ambition save through God: He is my all-sufficient stay, and best helper. I have arranged the Book in sections, ten in all:--
1. To Establish the Existence of the Faculties of the Soul, the detailed analysis and explanation of which I have undertaken.
2. Division and Classification of the Primary (Primitive) Faculties of the Soul, and Definition of the Soul at large (or as a whole).
3. That None of the Faculties of the Soul originates from the Combination (Blending) of the Four Elements, but on the contrary comes upon them from without.
4. Detailed Statement concerning the Vegetable Powers (faculties), and Mentioning the Need for Each One of them.
5. Detailed Statement concerning the Animal Faculties (powers), and Mentioning the Need for Each One of them.
6. Detailed Statement concerning the External (Apparent) Senses, and How they perceive, mentioning the Disagreement [of researchers] as to How Seeing is performed.
7. Detailed Statement concerning the Internal (Hidden) Senses, and the Body Moving Power.
8. Memoir on the Human Soul from the Stage of its Beginning to the Stage of its Perfection.
9. Establishing the Proofs necessary for affirming the Essentiality of the Speaking (Rational) Soul, by the logical method.
10. Establishing the Argument for the Existence of an Intellectual Essence, distinct from Bodies, standing to the Rational (speaking) Faculties in the stead of a Fountain, and in the stead of Light to Sight; and Showing that Rational (speaking) Souls remain united with It after the death of the body, secure and safe from corruption and change; and It is what is called Universal (generic) Intelligence.