PREFACE. 



THIS work is designed to present the leading facts and principles 

 of human Physiology and Hygiene in clear and concise language, 

 so that pupils in schools and colleges, and readers not familiar with 

 the subjects, may readily comprehend them. Anatomy, or a de- 

 scription of the structure of an organ, is of course necessary to the 

 understanding of its Physiology, or its uses. Enough of the former 

 study has, therefore, been introduced, to enable the pupil to enter 

 intelligently upon the latter. 



Familiar language, as far as practicable, has been employed, 

 rather than that of a technical character. With a view, however, 

 to supply what might seem to some a deficiency in this regard, a 

 Pronouncing Glossary has been added, which will enable the in- 

 quirer to understand the meaning of many scientific terms not 

 in common use. 



In the preparation of the work the writer has carefully examined 

 all the best material at his command, and freely used it ; the special 

 object being to have it abreast of the present knowledge on the sub- 

 jects treated, as far as such is possible in a work so elementary as 

 this. The discussion of disputed points has been avoided, it being 

 manifestly inappropriate in a work of this kind. 



Instruction in the rudiments of Physiology in schools does not 

 necessitate the general practice of dissections, or of experiments upon 

 animals. The most important subjects may be illustrated by draw- 



