INTRODUCTION 



TIIK fundamental reason for laboratory work in any subject, not entirely observa- 

 tional, is the training it gives in systematic' observation. One of the best possible 

 methods for developing adequate apprehension of the essentials of a problem is to re- 

 quire the student to record his observations in an orderly, systematic manner. To 

 serve so valuable an end, this Manual is provided with definite leaders and spaces 

 for recording the relatively more important data. The student thus works with 

 directed purpose to discover important pharmacologic facts for himself. 



To the possible objection that set formulae might tend to cramp the student's 

 powers of expression, it may be replied that these early years of a medical course 

 represent a formative period in which should be developed accurate, systematic 

 methods of observation; and such formulae as prevent fruitless dissipation of energy 

 thereby promote increased efficiency, both of thought and action. 



This book has been prepared with the constant thought in mind that the great 

 majority of medical students are not preparing to become specialists in Pharmacology, 

 but practitioners of general medicine. Therefore the knowledge gained derives its 

 chief value in proportion to its relation to medicine. The interests of the student are 

 in such a case paramount to the interests of the specialist, though the difference in 

 needs in the two cases is "less in matter and method than in proportion and emphasis." 

 So, to paraphrase the words of an honored preceptor, Dr. Ganong, the real test of the 

 value of this Manual will be found not in whether my colleagues deem it a well-propor- 

 tioned compendium of pharmacologic fact, but whether it leads students to pursue the 

 subject with an interested spirit, and to adopt spontaneously its methods and teachings 

 in their later activities. 



Materia Medica has always been a bugbear subject to most medical students, 

 largely because of its dry, dictionary-like presentation. It is helpful to the student if 

 he be given personal contact with the various drugs and preparations, with some clews 

 as to their utilities, by way of introduction to the experimental and applied uses. This 

 can be carried out very successfully in a laboratory, where the examination and testing 

 of drugs is the means whereby he gains knowledge instead of information. If it be 

 desirable for the medical student to know the physical properties and the principal 



(1) 



