PREFACE 9 



literature available to the reader and investigator. To econo- 

 mize space, a complete bibliography has not been inserted when 

 this exists already collected in some readily accessible review or 

 original article ; hence the references cited in the foot-notes will 

 generally be found to include only the more recent publications. 

 These references have been so selected, however, that they will be 

 found to furnish bibliographical matter sufficient to lead the inves- 

 tigator to all the important literature on the topics covered in this 

 book. As to those subjects (such as gout, diabetes, and gastro- 

 intestinal putrefaction) which, because of their great practical clin- 

 ical interest, have already been discussed in available monographs 

 at greater length than the scope of this work would permit, it has 

 seemed appropriate merely to summarize the most recent views and 

 advances, referring the reader to the special treatises for the general 

 and historical discussions. 



It is with the greatest pleasure that I acknowledge my indebted- 

 ness to many colleagues in the University of Chicago, who have 

 kindly read the sections of my manuscript that touch upon their 

 own special fields, and whose criticism and advice have been of the 

 greatest assistance ; their number alone prevents my thanking them 

 by name. Most particularly, however, must I express my debt to 

 my former instructor, Professor Lafayette B. Mendel, of Yale Uni- 

 versity, whose kindly criticism and suggestions have been of ines- 

 timable value. For constant assistance in the preparation of the 

 manuscript, and for the revision of the bibliography, I am indebted 

 to my wife. 



H. G. W. 



CHICAGO, January, 1907. 



