i paused , examining and analysing all the minutiae of causation , u as exemplified in the change from life to death , and death to life , until from the midst of this darkness a sudden light broke in upon me-a light so brilliant and wondrous , yet so simple , that while i became dizzy with the immensity of the prospect which it illustrated , i was surprised , that among so many men of genius who had directed their inquiries towards the same science , that i alone should be reserved to discover so astonishing a secret .