In the Russian Empire, the title "Russian officer" was not just a designation of professional or social affiliation. The title "officer" meant belonging to a special caste of people for whom honor and dignity were dearer than life. They fought for honor, and died for it. During the Russo-Japanese War of 1904, captain Valentin Kulchitsky wrote "Advice to a Young Officer," which, in fact, became the code of honor of a Russian officer. The book also included: "Duel Code" by V. Durasov, equally fair for both civilians and the military, and A. S. Pushkin's story "Shot," as the most striking illustration of both officer honor and duel history. For the duel is "the last argument for preserving honor."