PREFACE 



TO THE FIRST EDITION OF 



THE RESPIRATORY FUNCTION OF THE BLOOD 



i\t one time, which seems too long ago, most of my leisure was 

 spent in boats. In them I learned what httle I know of research, 

 not of technique or of physiology, but of the quaUties essential to 

 those who would venture beyond the visible horizon. 



The story of my physiological "ventures" will be found in the 

 following pages. Sometimes I have sailed single handed, sometimes 

 I have been one of a crew, sometimes I have sent the ship's boat 

 on some expedition without me. Any merit which attaches to my 

 narrative lies in the fact that it is in some sense at first hand. 

 I have refrained from discussing subjects which I have not actually 

 touched, but which might fittingly have been included in a modern 

 account of the blood as a vehicle for oxygen. Such are the relation of 

 narcosis to oxygen- want and the properties of intracellular oxidative 

 enzymes. The omission of these and other important subjects has 

 made the choice of a title somewhat difficult. I should hke to have 

 called the book, what it frankly is — a log; did not such a title 

 involve an air of flippancy quite out of place in the description of 

 the serious work of a man's life. I have therefore chosen a less 

 exact, though more comprehensive title. 



After all, the pleasantest memories of a cruise are those of the 

 men with whom one has sailed. The debt which I owe to my 

 colleagues, whether older or younger than myself, will be evident 

 enough to any reader of the book. It leaves me well-nigh bank- 

 rupt — a condition well known to most sailors. But I owe another 

 large debt of gratitude to those who, as teachers, showed me 

 the fascination of physiology, to Br Kimmins*, and especially to 



* Formerly science master of the Leys School, now Chief Inspector of the 

 Educational Department of the London County Council. 



