PREFACE OF THE AMERICAN EDITOR. 



"THE peculiar character of Dr. Carpenter's Human Physiology,' 

 particularly adapts it to the wants of the medical student. The close 

 connection between Physiology and the practical branches of medicine, 

 has been throughout the work carefully borne in mind, and their inti- 

 mate relations pointed out. The present Treatise will be found to be a 

 concise, yet comprehensive exposition of the actual condition of physi- 

 ological science, conceived and executed in an acute and philosophical 

 spirit. With much that is profound and original, the Author has pre- 

 sented all the received or probable facts of the Science of Life, in a 

 well-digested and lucid manner, deducing from them legitimate infer- 

 ences, and carefully abstaining from the discussion of controverted 

 questions, and never hazarding any startling hypothesis." 



The above opinion was expressed by the Editor in the Preface to the 

 First American Edition of this work. The universal favour with which 

 it has been received, and the rapid sale of a very large impression, are 

 proofs that his judgment was neither erroneous nor too partial. It is 

 now generally conceded in this country and in England, that Dr. Car- 

 penter's "Principles of Human Physiology" is one of the best digested, 

 most complete and compendious expositions of the Science of Life in 

 its actual state, that has yet been written, and admirably adapted to the 

 purposes of the medical student. 9^^k 



In preparing the present edition, no pains have^^^BApared to render 

 it complete in all respects. Besides other sources, 1f$e Editor has availed 

 himself of much valuable matter contained in the excellent Annual 

 Report on the Progress of Anatomy and Physiology in the British and 

 Foreign Medical Review for January, 1845. He has also introduced 

 about eighty additional wood-cut illustrations, which, being accom- 

 panied with very copious references, will, he' trusts, materially add to 

 the value of the work as a text-book. 



The new matter added by the American Editor is in smaller type, 

 and is distinguished thus [ M. C.] The new cuts are included be- 

 tween brackets, thus [ ]. 



No. 230 Spruce St., 



Philadelphia, April, 1845. 



