PREFACE 



THIS little work is intended for those who, without any 

 previous knowledge of the subject, desire to begin the 

 serious study of Physiology. It is written in a more element- 

 ary and didactic manner than the Elementary Lessons of 

 Professor Huxley, and, it is hoped, may serve as an intro- 

 duction to that volume. Though the whole has been 

 supervised by Professor Foster, who therefore holds himself 

 equally with Dr. Shore responsible for its contents, the 

 work belongs to the latter, since he has written it. 



A sound knowledge of Physiology cannot be gained 

 without some acquaintance with Chemistry and Physics, 

 and at least a rudimentary knowledge of these ought to be 

 obtained before the study of physiology is even attempted. 

 Knowing, however, how frequently a book on physiology 

 is taken up without any such previous acquaintance, we have 

 given a few chemical and physical facts as preliminaries in 

 Chapter I. This chapter may therefore be considered 

 rather as one to be used for reference than as one to be 

 mastered from the first. The same to some extent applies 

 also to Chapter II. The importance of carrying out the 

 directions for actual observation given throughout the book 

 < annot be too much insisted upon. The material required 

 and the appliances necessary may be so easily obtained 



