PREFACE. 



The preparation of the second edition of the "Anatomy of the 

 Rabbit" has been in all respects a more satisfactory process than 

 that of the first. For, in addition to many improvements of form., 

 laboratory experience of many classes and grades of students has 

 made it possible to remove defects of description as well as to correct 

 a number of errors incidental to manuscript prepared, from labor- 

 atory notes. In the process of revision, some explanatory material 

 has been added concerning the major functions of organs, and a 

 number of new illustrations have been distributed through the 

 text. The latter, especially those of organs actually seen in dis- 

 section, have been selected, with some care, and with realization of 

 the fact that over-illustration of a laboratory manual is likely to be 

 disadvantageous rather" than otherwise, since it is not conducive 

 to critical examination of material, and thus does not serve the 

 desired purpose. 



The aim of the book is essentially as set forth in the preface to 

 the former edition, namely, to utilize the study of the rabbit as an 

 introduction to the chief conceptions, terminology and. technique 

 of human anatomy; further to provide for zoological students a 

 starting point for comparative studies. Concerning the principles 

 involved, that of employing an animal of comparatively high grade 

 of organization for elementary work is adhered, to now as formerlv 

 by a large body of instructors, though the reverse procedure, that 

 of beginning with simple and. even microscopic material, also has 

 large support. Experience of recent years, however, has shown that 

 so far as mammalian structure at least is concerned, the merits of 

 mammalian anatomy, as opposed, to the more or less superficial 

 dissection of a mammal, have come to be generally recognized. 

 This is doubtless in part because of the special requirements in 

 biological education for medical students, more especially since 

 the subject forms a convenient and. practical link in the system, of 

 graded, medical instruction as between the general materials of 

 biology and. comparative anatomy, on the one hand, and. the human 

 aspects of anatomy and. physiology on the other. 



