of the text presents Dr. Hirschberg's intention to share a comprehensive account of his travels, which were inspired by previous travelers and the desire to experience the wonders of the tropics and distant lands firsthand. He emphasizes the rapid developments in transportation that have made such journeys accessible and details his meticulous planning to ensure he can cover significant regions, such as Asia, Africa, and the Americas, within a limited timeframe. As he prepares to embark on his journey, the reader is introduced to the excitement of departure and the anticipation of experiencing various cultures, as well as the technical logistics involved in maritime travel during that time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)