In 1867 the first volume of what would eventually be five books in four volumes on one word, the word (baptidzo or baptism), Inquiry into the Meaning of Baptism as Determined by Usage, was published by Dr. James W. Dale. God distinctively equipped Dr. Dale for this unique task. Dr. Dale thought precisely. He was a man of great learning-first studying law, then changing to theology and obtaining a seminary degree, and last studying medicine and becoming a physician. Law, theology, and medicine equipped Dr. Dale to think, analyze and write with a precision beyond the capacity of most men today. He is often thought to be nitpicking by those used to thinking in a less precise fashion. But in fact, he was simply careful, logical and in-tune to the precision of the languages chosen by the Holy Spirit to teach man the things of God. These books are without equal in the history of the study of baptism.