Normal histology : with special reference to the structure of the human body

Front matter

22101687698

Med i

HUMAN BLOOD-CELLS.

Preface

The preparation of the present edition, undertaken in response to repeated requests from teachers, has been influenced by the aim stated in the original preface : to present descriptions which should include the salient features of the various structures with sufficient fulness to impress important details without wearying minutiae ; too great conciseness, on the one hand, and too great elaboration of detail, on the other, are alike unsatisfactory.

The fact that histology has its place at the beginning of the medical curriculum, and, indeed, with increasing frequency in the courses preparatory to medicine, often requires the student to study the microscopic details of organs before he has become acquainted with their gross anatomy. In order to minimize this deficiency, the histological descriptions have been prefaced with references to the macroscopic features whenever such explanations seemed desirable. The criticism, for instance, that an outline description of the brain, by pencil as well as by pen, is out of place in a text-book of histology, loses much of its force when the usual ignorance of the student concerning even the chief subdivisions of the central nervous system is recalled. The author believes, therefore, that these additions are justified and will materially facilitate the student’s appreciation of the correlation between the structures demonstrated in the dissecting room and the details seen under the microscope.

With the exception of those from other sources, duly acknowledged in the legends, the illustrations have been drawn, with the aid of the camera lucida, by Mr. Louis Schmidt, whose skilful pencil has faithfully represented the preparations. The latter, mostly from the author’s cabinet, have been selected to show the usual rather than the unusual histological appearances.

The author gratefully acknowledges the kindness of Prof. William G. Spiller, Prof. G. Carl Huber, Prof. Thomas G. Lee, and Dr. Joseph P. Tunis in placing their preparations at his disposal. To Dr. W. H. F. Addison his thanks are due for repeated courtesies in preparing specimens and for suggestions regarding microscopical technique. The author wishes to express his obligations to the publishers for their hearty cooperation.

August , IQIO.

Ill