PREFACE 



THE aim in the preparation of this treatise on the human 

 body -has been, first, to set forth in a teachable manner the 

 actual science of physiology ; and second, to present the 

 facts of hygiene largely as applied physiology. The view 

 is held that "right living" consists in the harmonious ad- 

 justment of one's habits to the nature and plan of the body, 

 and that the best preparation for such living is a correct 

 understanding of the physical self. It is further held that 

 the emphasizing of physiology augments in no small degree 

 the educative value of the subject, greater opportunity 

 being thus afforded for exercise of the reasoning powers 

 and for drill in the modus operandi of natural forces. In 

 the study of physiology the facts of anatomy have a place, 

 but in an elementary course these should be restricted to 

 such as are necessary for revealing the general structure 

 of the body. 



Although no effort has been spared to bring this work 

 within the comprehension of the pupil, its success in the 

 classroom will depend largely upon the method of handling 

 the subject by the teacher. It is recommended, there- 

 fore, that the relations which the different organs and 

 processes sustain to each other, and to the body as a whole, 

 be given special prominence. The pupil should be im- 

 pressed with the essential unity of the body and should 

 see in the diversity of its activities the serving of a common 

 purpose. In creating such an impression the introductory 



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