PREFACE. V 



the same sort of popularity which works of the latter 

 kind frequently enjoy. As the real importance, how- 

 ever, of a work upon an exact science does not exist in 

 its wit and "bizarreries" but upon the wholesomeness 

 of its truths, and the accuracy with which they are 

 stated; it is fair to expect that the writer should himself 

 be faultless, who thus uses the weakness of others as 

 the foil upon which to display, most advantageously, 

 his own presumed brilliancy and perfection. It does 

 not require much scrutiny to ascertain whether the ex- 

 pectation is realized, and whether this author does not 

 abound in inaccuracies, in exaggeration, in obscurities, 

 and in irrelative matter. 



In regard to the inaccuracies of Mr. Bell, we give the 

 following as specimens, which we have got without far- 

 ther trouble than that of thumbing his pages. " This 

 membrane (the Mediastinum) passes directly across the 

 breast from the sternum before, till it fixes itself in the 

 spine behind. It is on the left side of this membrane, in 

 the left cavity of the breast, that the heart is placed." 

 " The Eustachian Valve is in general thick and fleshy " 

 "The Pericardium is formed, like the Pleura and Me- 

 diastinum, of the cellular substance" " The Perioste- 

 um is merely a condensation of the common cellular sub- 

 stance, formed in successive layers." "The perioste- 

 um, tendons, fasciae and burses mucosce, are all of one 

 substance and of one common nature." " The socket, 

 (i. e. theacetabulum) is deepened by its cartilage, which 

 tips the edge of the socket, and stands up to a conside- 

 rable height." Some of these mistakes are glaring blun- 

 ders; others may perhaps be referred to the faulty phra- 



