Acknowledgments. Introduction: the meaning of a mistake. The birth (1784-1831): 1. The faceless idol. 2. Bouddou, distinguished philosopher. 2. A world emerges. 4. The nothingness of the Buddhists. The threat (1832-1863): 5. French terror. 6. Frankfurt and Tibet. 7. Black classes and lost peoples. 8. The end of the human race. The decline (1864-1893): 9. The invention of weakness. 10. The time of pessimism. 11. A secret laboratory. Notes. Bibliography. Index of authors.