PREFACE 



The present volume encompasses the available information on the diges- 

 tion, absorption, transport (in the blood and lymph), and storage of fats 

 and other lipids in the animal body. Although it was the original plan to 

 include all the biochemical data in a single volume, the recent great increase 

 of new findings reported in these fields has forced a revision of these plans. 

 Rather than limit the topics to be discussed or curtail the extent of dis- 

 cussion of such topics, it was decided to expand the scope of the biochemical 

 section of The Lipids to make up two volumes. Volume III will include 

 Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Oxidation, and the Nutritional Value of the 

 lipids. 



Although Volumes II and III are concerned chiefly with the biochemical 

 phases of lipids, it was necessary to include some topics of a more chemical 

 nature. The description of the properties, composition, and behavior of 

 the lipases and lipoxidases belongs essentially in this category. The de- 

 scription of the chemistry, structure, and composition of the bile acids is 

 included in Volume II; these products are not lipids, but their chemistry 

 must be understood to ensure the proper comprehension of fat absorption. 



An attempt has been made to list all the investigators who have contrib- 

 uted to any study, irrespective of whether they were the first to report 

 these findings or among the numerous workers who have confirmed and 

 extended the data. The author realizes that he has been only partially 

 successful in recognizing all workers ; he will be most grateful for any sug- 

 gestions calling to his attention mistakes of omission or commission. 



Acknowledgment should again be made to Mrs. Margaret Ritter, who 

 has continued with redoubled energy as an editorial assistant throughout 

 the preparation of the volume. Recognition should also be given Mrs. 

 Lilla Aftergood, who abstracted much of the recent information on lipids, 

 and so made it possible to render this volume fairly current. Above all, 

 the author is truly grateful to his wife, who willingly accepted the verdict 

 that the manuscript on Lipids should be the most important task during 

 the past eight years. Again, mention should be made of the skill and 

 accuracy of Mrs. Marie Visser in furnishing a satisfactory typescript for the 

 publisher. 



Harry J. Deuel, Jr. 

 Pasadena, California 

 November, 1954 



