PREFACE 



This pamphlet is not intended as a text-book on the subject of 

 animal parasites and parasitism. It consists merely of the out- 

 lines of an elementary and very brief course on the subject, given 

 primarily from the general zoological viewpoint. They are printed 

 in this form to facilitate the taking of notes and to point out the 

 more important sources of information. 



Any such course must be under heavy obligations to the classical 

 works of Leuckart, Cobbald, Neumann, Railliet, Blanchard, and 

 other pioneers in the field, and to the work of Stiles, Ward, Ransom, 

 Law, and their staffs in this country. The little booklet by Franz 

 von Wagner, entitled "Schmarotzer and Schmarotzertum in der 

 Tierwelt," though out of date in some respects, is a most helpful 

 and suggestive discussion of the general subject. 



The bibliographies given are far from complete but indicate 

 the more important available discussions. Much of the funda- 

 mental work appears in foreign publications and, as in all scientific 

 work, a knowledge of at least French and German is invaluable 

 to the student. It is urged that the opportunity to become ac- 

 quainted with original papers treating of the subject be improved 

 whenever possible. 



