PREFACE 



and to enlarge, refine and systematize the scope of 

 observation. . . . The general trend of medicine has 

 been away from magic and empiricism and in the 

 direction of rationality and definiteness" (A. Flexner. 

 Medical Education. A Comparative Study. New York, 

 1925). We trust that continuation of this trend is 

 reflected in this Handbook. 



It is difficult to acknowledge properly the devoted 

 and effective work which has made this vast under- 



taking possible. Its success is due alike to the con- 

 tributors, to the editorial staff and to the Board of 

 Publication Trustees of the American Physiological 

 Society. Alike to all of these is due the gratitude of the 

 world of physiologists for a task well done. 



JOHN FIELD 



Editor-in-Chief, ig§4-ig§8 



