Iv 



PREFACE. 



Through the liberality of the publishers we are able to pre- 

 sent unusually full illustrations of subjects, which could other- 

 wise be only imperfectly comprehended by the learner. 



Many of the drawings contain more minute details of 

 the parts represented than are described in the text. The in- 

 structor can require these to be recited or not, as he pleases, 

 according to the age and ability of the pupil. So as to the 

 parts on Comparative Anatomy, as they are distinctly sepa- 

 rated from the rest, they can, if desired, be passed over in re- 

 citation. 



At the earnest solicitation of my son, my name stands first 

 on the title-page. But justice requires me to state that most 

 of the body of the work has been prepared by him. I have 

 supposed it most appropriate that it should be so, since he has, 

 and I have not, passed regularly through the medical school. 

 Yet perhaps the public may have some confidence in my judg- 

 ment as a teacher for more than forty years, in shaping the 

 materials so as to be best adapted for purposes of instruction. 

 But aware, in some measure, of our deficiencies and imperfec- 

 tions, neither of us, in sending forth the work, feels it to be 

 beyond criticism and improvement. In a field so wide, where 

 so many are pushing their investigations, and the highest 

 authorities so frequently change their views, we do not ex- 

 pect to avoid all mistakes ; but in our successive editions, 

 we shall correct all errors which we find, and try to incorpor- 

 ate the new discoveries. 



Edward Hitchcock. 



Amseest College July, 1860 f 



