SCOPE AND AIMS 13 



but we might equally well discuss the physi- 

 ology of the domestic animals, such as that 

 of the horse or ox, or the physiology of birds, 

 or, indeed, of any group of animals. It is 

 found that no sufficient explanation of many 

 vital phenomena can be given by the study 

 of one animal, or group of animals, and 

 accordingly knowledge may be brought to a 

 focus in the department of science called 

 Comparative Physiology. 



At one time the word physiology expressed 

 all that we now term physics (phusis, nature, 

 logos, a description), a description of natural 

 phenomena in general. For many years, 

 however, its meaning has been limited to the 

 discussion of phenomena as these occur in 

 living beings. 



5. But all science is in a sense one, and 

 accordingly we find that the compartments of 

 knowledge we call the sciences are related to 

 each other. Physiology is closely related to, 

 and largely depends on, three sciences : 

 Anatomy, Physics and Chemistry. A general 

 acquaintance with these sciences is of para- 

 mount importance to any one about to enter 



