INTRODUCTION 



THE Human Body is the abode of an immortal spirit, and is 

 the most complete and perfect specimen of the Creator's handi- 

 work. To examine its structure, to ascertain the uses and 

 modes of action of its various parts, how to protect it from 

 injury, and maintain it in a healthy condition, is the design 

 of this work. 



The departments of knowledge which are concerned in these 

 investigations, are the science of Human Physiology and the 

 art of Hygiene. 



PHYSIOLOGY treats of the vital actions and uses of the 

 various parts of living bodies, whether vegetable or animal. 

 Each living thing, therefore, has a Physiology. We have a 

 Vegetable Physiology, which relates to plants ; and an Animal 

 Physiology, relating to the animal kingdom. The latter is 

 also divided into Comparative Physiology, which treats of 

 the inferior races of animals, and Human Physiology, which 

 teaches the uses of the various parts of the human body. 



HYGIENE, or the art of preserving health, is the practical 

 use of Physiology. It teaches us how to cultivate our bodily 

 and mental powers, so as to increase our strength, and to fit 

 us for a higher enjoyment of life. It also shows us how to 

 prevent some of the accidents which may befall the body, and 

 how to avoid disease. It is proper that we should understand 

 the construction and power of our bodies j but it is our duty, 



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