PREFACE 



THIS text-book of Applied Physiology was suggested by 

 a series of popular lectures in which the author presented 

 the essential principles of physiology about which a physi- 

 cian is consulted daily. His explanations of many common 

 facts were entirely novel to the auditors, and on investiga- 

 tion it was found that the school text-books were silent 

 upon many of these points, especially in regard to the cells, 

 where the essential vital functions of the body are carried 

 on. Throughout this book the fact that the cells are the 

 units in which life exists and acts is emphasized. 



The author has endeavored to include all the useful 

 points of the older text-books, and to add such new matter 

 as the recent progress of physiological and hygienic 

 science demands. He has avoided technical terms, and 

 has sought to express the truths' in simple language such 

 as he would use in instructing a mother as to the nature 

 of the sickness of her child. 



The subject of alcohol is discussed in all its aspects. 

 Its evil effects are not exaggerated ; but the alleged 

 good from the use of strong drink is contrasted with its 

 dangers in a judicial manner, which appeals to men far 

 more effectively than dogmatic abuse. The relation of 

 alcoholic indulgence to other forms of intemperance, as 

 excessive sugar eating, is also explained. 



The essential act of respiration is oxidation within the 

 cells. The relation of oxidation to the disappearance of 



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