viii PREFACE. 



arrangement, by discussing the actions and uses of 

 remedies, not under the headings of artificial groups, 

 but of the physiological systems of the body 

 digestion, respiration, etc., so as to conduct the stu- 

 dent from facts with which he is familiar to the great 

 principles of treatment. In using the book, the first 

 year's student is recommended to confine his attention 

 to the Materia Medica proper ; and under the action 

 and uses of the drugs, to read only the words printed 

 in thick type. 



The author gratefully acknowledges the valuable 

 assistance which he has received in the prepa- 

 ration of 'the work from his friends Dr. Quain, 

 Dr. Lauder Brunton, and Dr. Frederick Roberts ; 

 from his brother, Dr. William Bruce of Dingwall : 

 from Mr. Woodhouse Braine, who kindly sketched 

 the section on the use of anaesthetics ; and espe- 

 cially from his friend and former class-assistant, 

 Mr. A. C. N. Goldney, who has relieved him of 

 much labour by superintending the pharmaceutical 

 portions, drawing up lists, and compiling the index. 



The many standard treatises on Materia Medica 

 and Therapeutics in this and other countries have 



