xlv PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



with ours, and we carefully abstain from engaging in a sterile discussion 

 with them. 



Such is our plan : have we executed it in a satisfactory manner ? We 

 have not deluded ourselves with regard to our strength, and willingly 

 acknowledge that many resources and many qualities have failed us in 

 carrying the enterprise to a favourable termination ; therefore we hope to 

 be indulgently judged. 



If we have succeeded in facilitating the study of so important a subject 

 as anatomy for the pupils of the veterinary schools ; if our book becomes, in 

 the hands of practitioners, a useful surgical guide ; if, lastly, medical men 

 and naturalists find that it will assist them in their researches in com- 

 parative anatomy, our object will have been attained, and we shall have 

 received the best recompense which the honest writer can hope to obtain. 



Before terminating, a sentiment of justice and recognition again brings 

 the honourable name of M. Lecoq to our pen ; the idea of this book was 

 conceived at his lectures, and it is from these lectures that we have derived 

 the major part of our materials ; it was to satisfy the most imperious 

 desire of our heart and conscience that we offered to dedicate this first 

 attempt to him. Could it be better placed than under his patronage ? 



We have also willingly joined to his name that of M. H. Bouley, that 

 eminent and devoted master, to whose advice we owe so much, and who has 

 evinced the liveliest solicitude for us in circumstances which we can never 

 forget. May he deign to accept this homage as the expression of our 

 sincere recognition. 



We have found in the obligingness and intelligence of M. Eodet a very 

 efficacious aid ; he will permit us to tender all our gratitude. 



We have frequently put the complaisance of the students around us to a 

 severe test ; but they have never failed, and we are gratified in being able to 

 thank them most cordially. We especially mention the name of M. Violet, 

 whose intelligent zeal has spared us much toil in the difficult task imposed 

 upon us. 



A. CHAUVEAU. 

 LYONS, 



September 30, 1854. 



