The elements of animal physiology

Preface To Second Edition

Some four years ago I was induced to make arrangements for the publication of a work on. Animal Physiology. As I was too much occupied with my official duties I agreed with a science-teacher (Mr. Angell), whom I believed thoroughly competent to prepare the manuscript. I think it right to mention this because I have never wished to take credit for what does not properly belong to me.

In this edition I have taken advantage of many suggestions and hints given by experienced teachers, so as to render the work more suitable as a text-book for Science Classes. I do not think anything is omitted which is necessaryfor an elementary knowledge of Animal Physiology and the examinations of the Science and Art Department ; at the same time a teacher should always supplement the information given in a class book by the reading of other books, and fully explain technical terms which it is impossible

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Preface

to avoid in science teaching. I have added a short Glossary, which I hope will be found useful, and Classes in Animal Physiology should endeavour to obtain Marshall’s Diagrams. The following remarks of the Examiner are well worthy the attention ol Teachers : —

“ I am quite aware of the practical difficulties in the way of putting even the leading parts of elementary physiology and physiological anatomy before schoolboys and schoolgirls; but they are to be overcome by a little patience and ingenuity.

“The circulation of the blood and the chief properties of living nervous and muscular tissue may be demonstrated with great ease upon one of the commonest of animals, the frog; and a butcher’s shop will supply the means for demonstrating all that is essential in the elements of the physiological anatomy of man.”

J. C. Buckm ASTER.

St. John’s Hill, Wandsworth, S.W.,

January , 1869.