PREFACE TO THE SEVENTH EDITION/ 



THE publication of the first edition of his " System of Anatomy for the use 

 of Medical Students/' was completed by Dr. Caspar Wistar in 1814. Simple 

 in its construction, concise, but yet clear, and at the same time representing 

 faithfully and fully, the science of Anatomy as it then existed, the book was 

 exactly in keeping with the well known character of its distinguished author. 

 The general approval with which it was received in this country, was manifest- 

 ed by the rapidity of its sale. 



The second edition which was called for in 1817, was further improved by 

 the author, by the addition of such new anatomical facts as had come to his 

 knowledge, and such further physiological observations as served to give life 

 and interest, to the otherwise dry details of his science. In 1818. before his 

 work had reached the third edition, the author himself died, regretted by all 

 who loved virtue, honored science, or knew how to estimate a kindness of soul, 

 and uniform urbanity of manner, which is yet vivid in the recollection of his 

 friends. 



The superintendence of the third edition was assumed by Professor Homer, 

 a personal friend of Dr. Wistar, who enriched it, by the addition of much valu* 

 able matter, which the science in its onward progress had at that time develop- 

 ed. The value of these additions, may be inferred, from the increasing favor 

 which the medical public has continued to extend towards the work; four 

 editions having been completely exhausted since that period. 



Though fifteen years only have elapsed, since its former revision, the zealous 

 and persevering inquiries of modern anatomists, which have scarcely their par- 

 allel in any other department, have in that time added much to the science. 

 The present publishers have therefore been desirous, that the work should be so 

 extended and remodeled, as to be brought up as near as may be, to the existing 

 state of the science, without impairing its value as a manual by too much in- 

 creasing its bulk. The reader will discover how far the attempt has been suc- 

 cessful, by comparing this with former editions. 



Within the period alluded to, the department of general, more than that of 

 special anatomy, has yielded the richest harvest to the anatomist, and has been 

 advantageously cultivated with particular reference to physiology and thera- 

 peutics. From general, then, more than from special anatomy, have the pre- 

 sent additions been derived; the editor believing that in mere special descrip- 

 tion, that which is most concise and yet so comprehensive as not to omit any 

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