viii PREFACE. 



whole range of normal histology, and which he can permanently preserve and take 

 away with him. He has also an atlas representing the details of the more impor- 

 tant preparations ; and, lastly, in the text-book he has a record of how each 

 specimen was prepared, and a description of the chief points to be observed in 

 each microscopic preparation. It is to be remembered, however, that no mere 

 instructions or directions given in books can ever supersede that form of informa- 

 tion which is imparted viva voce by a teacher, and which is elicited by the difficulties 

 that meet the student of histology at the beginning of his course. 



He is indebted to Mr. E. A. SCHAFER for the use of several of the woodcuts 

 employed in the introductory chapter ; and for fig. 3, to Messrs. Bailliere, Tindall, 

 & Cox. The outline figures were drawn by the author from the microscopic 

 specimens with which each student is supplied or makes for himself. 



He has also to express his sincere thanks to Dr. ROBERT LAWSON, Deputy 

 Commissioner in Lunacy, and to Dr. DE BURGH BIRCH for revising the proof-sheets. 



WILLIAM STIRLING. 



PHYSIOLOGICAL LABORATORY, UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN : 

 March, 1881. 



