"When I found the book was condemned as soon as the book was printed, or rather as soon as it was set up ready to print, I held it in plates for a year nearly, waiting to see what would come out of all this discussion"

This quote by John Harvey Kellogg shows a minute of doubt and caution in the publishing procedure of a book that dealt with early criticism and controversy. Kellogg, understood for his work in nutrition and health along with his association with the development of cornflakes, seems discussing a circumstance where his book was met with condemnation even before it was printed. This pre-emptive criticism possibly stemmed from the book's material, which may have been contentious or counter to prevailing opinions or standards of the time.

The key expressions in this quote emphasize numerous elements of Kellogg's experience. When he discusses the book being "condemned as quickly as the book was printed", it indicates there was a strong negative reception or reaction anticipated. It suggests that specific influential people or groups disapproved of the book's ideas or prospective impact, possibly since they challenged established beliefs or threatened beneficial interests.

Kellogg's decision to "hold it in plates for a year almost", describes his choice to postpone the major printing and release of the book. In the context of printing, "holding plates" implied holding off the final printing, because the printing plates (or set type, in older printing techniques) were ready however not used to print big amounts of the book. This shows Kellogg's tactical perseverance and maybe stress and anxiety, selecting to observe how the general public discourse or social environment might evolve before proceeding.

This action of waiting "to see what would come out of all this discussion" underscores a pragmatic approach. Kellogg was likely evaluating whether the controversy would diminish or escalate, and whether the marketplace or social mindsets would become more beneficial to his work. It recommends a deep awareness of the influence of social and intellectual currents on publishing success and the importance of timing in launching controversial product.

In general, this quote uses insight into the obstacles of publishing controversial works and shows Kellogg's tactical decision-making amidst controversy, highlighting broader styles of development dealing with resistance and the tactical considerations inherent in providing new ideas to the general public.