TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE 



THE translation of the first edition of this book was in hand when 

 Professor Bechhold announced the preparation of a second edition. 

 The translation was therefore delayed awaiting that issue in order to 

 bring the volume up to date, and embody data obtainable from 

 recent literature. 



The proof sheets were received in 1915 and 1916, but the transla- 

 tion and revision were again delayed by occupation connected with the 

 prosecution of the War. (Local Board Membership.) 



The translator hopes that Professor Bechhold's presentation of the 

 colloid chemical problems of biology and medicine will serve to stim- 

 ulate greater interest in colloid chemistry among physicians, biolo- 

 gists, and bio-chemists. His own reward, he has already found in 

 the interest attached to interpreting the every-day problems of prac- 

 tice from this angle. 



It is to be expected that the application of colloid principles to the 

 phenomena of life will lead to new and more rational theories of their 

 disturbances, and it is hoped that an improved practice of medicine 

 will eventually result The pages of this book indicate the begin- 

 nings already made and suggest future studies. 



The translator acknowledges his debt to Dr. B. Michaelovsky for 

 assistance with the translation; to Mrs. D. D. Pool for the author 

 index, and to his publishers, Messrs. D. Van Nostrand Company, for 

 their friendly co-operation. 



His debts to his friend, Jerome Alexander, he is unable to enu- 

 merate. He owes to him, not only his introduction to colloid chem- 

 istry, but never failing stimulation, encouragement and assistance 

 with the translations and the proof-reading: Any merit the work 

 possesses is due to his collaboration. 



J. G. M. B. 

 February 15, 1919. 



62 WEST EIGHTY-SEVENTH STREET, 

 NEW YORK CITY. 



vn 



