Rohlfs' journey with details about the preparations for the expedition and his reflections on the state of Abyssinia prior to his arrival. Rohlfs notes that although many previous explorers have provided insights into the geography and society of the region, there remain many mysteries about its natural resources and cultures. He introduces the notable figure of Negus Johannes, the reigning monarch of Abyssinia, hinting at the complexities of the region's political relationships, particularly with Egypt and other colonial powers. Throughout this introduction, Rohlfs expresses a scientific curiosity about the flora and fauna of Abyssinia, foreshadowing a blend of personal narrative with detailed observations and research on the land he is about to explore. (This is an automatically generated summary.)