The Convoluted Scientific Guide to Equestria and the Universe

Pour water on the page.

Dear potential reader,

I am so, so sorry. I am sorry for what you are about to read. Before you go on, I would like to say that everything written in this book is factually accurate. Except the part about a unified magic-science force, that's just a theory. I will say that this book is written competently, and that the science and history, other than the few controversial theories about the nature of science and magic, are accurate.

But I have to warn you about the rest of the book. Lyra Heartstrings, PhD, is considered by many to be the smartest mare alive. I am one of those many. I have known Lyra for many years, and was first introduced to her by my sister-in-law, Princess Cadance. Let's just say our mutually opposing views on current scientific theories led to some unsavory debates. To this day I still question Cadance's taste in friends.

Lyra Heartstrings is the kind of mare that you can never put up with because she's always right. Infuriatingly so. She is the only pony in the entire world to completely earn her hubris. She's still annoying as Tartarus.

But she's not arrogant. Beneath that annoying veneer is a kind and caring pony who dislikes fame. The only reason Lyra is writing this book is because of her intense feelings for education, and can't stand it when things aren't right. She's really, really passionate, albeit for subjects of questionable rationale. She's the reason every home in Ponyville has a set of hazmat suits, despite the probability of a dangerous epidemic spreading across Equestria being almost nothing.

I won't say you should like her. A lot of ponies in the scientific community don't. They all respect her, sure, but that doesn't mean they like her. Just give her a chance. She will probably call you an idiot, but that's just how she gets ponies to do better.

Oh, and if she's unbearably high-and-mighty in the introduction, don't worry. She mellows out by the next chapter. She's just overcompensating because she has no idea how many ponies will read her book.

Sincerely,

Princess Twilight Sparkle, PhD

P. S. The usage of invisible ink in this foreword is designed to minimize Lyra's temptation to read this, therefore giving me the freedom to write what I honestly feel.