"The 'Travels of Captain Crystal' is a story in rhyme, of mine or any other person's life." The name was adopted when the author worked as a naturalist and, among other duties, was teaching a class on rocks. Mr. Swope wanted the children to avoid using the awkward "Mr. Paul" or "Mr. Swope" when addressing him. The alias worked for 18 years. Please join the author in his travels.