PREFACE 



AT one time, which seems too long ago, most of my leisure was 

 *- spent in boats. In them I learned what little I know of 

 research, not of technique or of physiology, but of the qualities 

 essential to those who would venture beyond the visible horizon. 



The story of my physiological " ventures " will be found in the 

 following pages. Sometimes I have sailed single handed, sometimes 

 I have been one of a crew, sometimes I have sent the ship's boat 

 on some expedition without me. Any merit which attaches to my 

 narrative lies in the fact that it is in some sense at first hand. 

 I have refrained from discussing subjects which I have not actually 

 touched, but which might fittingly have been included in a modern 

 account of the blood as a vehicle for oxygen. Such are the relation of 

 narcosis to oxygen-want and the properties of intracellular oxidative 

 enzymes. The omission of these and other important subjects has 

 made the choice of a title somewhat difficult. I should like to have 

 called the book, what it frankly is a log; did not such a title 

 involve an air of flippancy quite out of place in the description of 

 the serious work of a man's life. I have therefore chosen a less 

 exact, though more comprehensive title. 



After all, the pleasantest memories of a cruise are those of the 

 men with whom one has sailed. The debt which I owe to my 

 colleagues, whether older or younger than myself, will be evident 

 enough to any reader of the book. It leaves me well-nigh bankrupt 

 a condition well-known to most sailors. But I owe another large 

 debt of gratitude to those who, as teachers, showed me the fascination 

 of physiology, to Dr Kimmins*, and especially to Dr Anderson f. At 

 a later stage I learned much from Dr Gaskell, Professor Langley and 

 Dr Haldane. 



* Formerly science master at the Leys School now Chief Inspector of the 

 Educational Department of the London Comity Council. 



t Formerly supervisor in physiology to King's College, now Master of Gonville 

 and Caius College. 



