PREFACE 



TO THE SECOND ENGLISH EDITION. 



Two years have not yet elapsed since the First Edition of the 

 Anatomist's Vade Mecum was presented to the Public ; but that 

 short period, brief though it is, has been most eventful as regards 

 the history of this work. 



The most prominent of the events to which I allude is the 

 departure from this earthly sphere of tfie distinguished patron of 

 my undertaking. When he was pleased to crown my labours 

 with his sanction, and lend to them the brightness of his name, he 

 was in the enjoyment of perfect health ; he was still labouring in 

 the field of Medical Science, an untiring labourer ; he was still 

 looking forward to a long vista of usefulness and benevolent 

 action. Now, Sir Astiey Cooper is no more. It is not my in- 

 tention, and, indeed, if I were so inclined, I should lack the 

 ability, to write the eulogium of that universally esteemed and 

 noble-hearted man. I shall content myself with remarking, that 

 in him I have lost a kind and a warm friend, the Medical Pro- 

 fession a distinguished ornament, and society a consolation and a 

 resource under the torments of disease. Sir Astiey Cooper was 

 doubly eminent ; he was great as a scientific surgeon, but he was 

 greater as a man : and though in his former capacity his name 

 will be remembered as long as letters endure, his memory will 

 survive until the human heart shall cease to vibrate to the note of 

 sympathy and benevolence. 



But while I am thus humbly endeavouring to do justice to my 

 own feelings in recording a feeble tribute towards a great debt of 

 gratitude which I owe to the memory of Sir Astiey Cooper, I do 

 not forget that my warmest thanks are also due to my other 

 patrons, the Medical Practitioners and Students of Great Britain, 

 and to the conductors of the Medical Press. From the former T 





