7In perhaps the most definitive work on esoteric wisdom ever written, HPB comprehensively surveys the origins of the cosmos and the prehistory of humanity, synthesizing religion and science within the context of the perennial philosophy. Originally published in 1888, The Secret Doctrine continues to be the principal source book for students of Theosophy, not as the final word on the subject, but as a stimulus to encourage the student to ponder its thoughts with a free and questing mind.