and the teachings of German occultist Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. He considered himself a Christian and tried to reconcile Biblical, Pythagorean and Hindu teachings. His conviction was that there was one true original religion of mankind, followed by Moses, Pythagoras and the Indian Brahmins, but perverted by the majority of Christians. According to him, the main tenets of that faith were pacifism and nonviolence to animals; benevolence to all species and vegetarianism were prerequisites for spiritual progress and a possible restoration of Paradise. He explicitly advocated animal rights. Tryon was of the opinion that humans are a miniature image of the universe (microcosm). He voiced environmental concerns about the pollution of rivers and the destruction of forests. Tryon did not believe in reincarnation, but assumed that the souls of sinners take on the forms of vicious beasts in a nightmarish afterlife. Tryon has been associated with the history of animal rights. Historians have described Tryon as the first known author to use the word "rights" in regard to animals in his book The Way to Health, Long Life and Happiness, published in 1683. He commented that man "would fain be an absolute Monarch or arbitrary Tyrant, making nothing at his pleasure to break the Laws of God, and invade and destroy all the Rights and Priviledges of the inferiour Creatures." Selected publications The Way to Health, Long Life and Happiness (1683) Wisdom's Dictates, or, Aphorisms & Rules, Physical, Moral, and Divine, for Preserving the Health of the Body, and the Peace of the Mind (1691) A Treatise of Cleanness in Meats and Drinks, of the Preparation of Food, the Excellency of Good Airs, and the Benefits of Clean Sweet Beds (1682) The Knowledge of a Man's Self the Surest Guide to the True Worship of God, and Good Government of the Mind and Body (1703) See also Benjamin Lay, an early abolitionist who was influenced by Tryon List of abolitionist forerunners References Further reading O'Connell, Anne: Early Vegetarian Recipes, Prospect Books 2008. . Includes recipes taken from Tryon's 'Wisdom's Dictates' 1691 Sheridan, Richard B. Sugar and Slavery: An Economic History of the British West Indies, 1623–1775. Kingston: University of the West Indies, 2008. . Provides facts concerning Tryon's association with the sugar trade and Barbados. Tryon, T. Tryon's letters upon several occasions ... London: printed for Geo. Conyers and Eliz. Harris, 1700. Tryon, T. The merchant, citizen and country-man's instructor. London: