"My first attempts to transmit typhus to laboratory animals, including the smaller species of monkeys, had failed, as had those of my predecessors, for reasons which I can easily supply today"

In this quote, Charles Jules Henry Nicolle assesses his preliminary failures in trying to transmit typhus to laboratory animals, particularly smaller species of monkeys. He acknowledges that his attempts were not successful, much like those of his predecessors. Nevertheless, he with confidence states that he can now easily supply reasons for these failures. This suggests that Nicolle has gotten a deeper understanding of the illness and its transmission, perhaps through more research and experimentation. It likewise highlights the importance of gaining from past failures and using that knowledge to improve future efforts. In general, this quote showcases Nicolle's decision and determination in his pursuit of understanding and combating typhus.