the area. The opening of the book sets the stage for Doflein's journey into Macedonia in May 1917, as he describes his anticipation and excitement to serve his country through scientific research. Arriving via military train, he provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes and the complexities of life during wartime, including interactions with soldiers and officials. His initial focus is on establishing a research base in the Wardar Valley, where he aims to conduct zoological studies while also participating in efforts to combat diseases affecting troops. The rich natural descriptions of the diverse ecosystems he encounters illustrate his commitment to both his scientific endeavors and the people of the region. (This is an automatically generated summary.)