Atlas and epitome of traumatic

Front matter

SAUNDERS'

MEDICAL HAND-ATLASES.

The series of books included under this title are authorized translations into English of the world-famous

Preface To The Fifth Edition

The present edition has been enriched by the addition of nine skiagraphs and twenty-one text figures. The text of the epitome has been enlarged and corrected. The original intention of retaining the character of an epitome, and describing important matters more fully at the expense of questions of great rarity, has been adhered to. Accordingly, I refrained from inserting, from the wealth of my skiagraphs, reproductions of rare conditions. On the other hand, the reader will find many new Rontgen-ray pictures illustrating the commoner fractures. To assist in the understanding of the Rontgen-ray plates, — and I have no doubt many think this a very difficult matter, — I have taken skiagraphs of normal joints and added an explanatory outline sketch carefully prepared by Dr. Werner. It is to be regretted that we do not as yet possess any method of reproduction which would enable us to present pictures approaching in excellence the Rontgen-ray plates. Many of the Rontgen-ray pictures were reproduced directly from original plates of larger size (as, for instance, the nine plates representing normal structures, Plate 6, and text-figures 97, 105, 106, 156, 157, and 158). Others were reproduced from drawings by Dr. Werner, copied from original plates and photographs. These are Plate 7, and o PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION

I trust the book will be found useful in the study of fractures. I earnestly request the reader not to neglect either the text or the explanations of the plates, and to read with the corresponding parts of the skeleton in his hand. Both in the general and in the special portion of the book I have endeavored to present as complete a view of each case as possible, and to equip the physician for the manifold appearances that he will meet with in practice.

Dr. Helferich.

EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

This "Atlas and Epitome" is intended to facilitate the student's introduction to the important department of fractures and dislocations, and to serve as a ready referencebook for the use of physicians in general practice. I have endeavored to make the book one of practical utility, and at the same time to elucidate some of the more important questions, especially those connected with the anatomy of fractures.

The first suggestion for the book came through the publisher, and I was glad to agree to his proposition. I welcomed the opportunity to use the specimens and drawings which I had collected in the course of years, and I was glad also of the chance to contribute something to the general diffusion of useful knowledge in a department of medicine in which much harm can be done, and which has of recent years acquired great importance for the entire body of physicians.

It is distinctly emphasized that this book is in no sense intended as a substitute for clinical studies or special courses, and can only serve to complete and illustrate the demonstrations and explanations of the clinical teacher.

Part of the specimens were artificially produced and prepared. It has been my custom for some years, in con-

8 EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

nection with my course of operative surgery, to produce the more important injuries on the cadaver. Many of the plates and figures represent specimens which I had occasion to study when I acted as assistant to Herr Geheimrat Thiersch in the Leipziger Klinik, and later in Munich and at this place ; others belong to the pathologic anatomic collections in Munich and Greifsw r ald, and were kindly placed at my disposal by Professor Bollinger during his incumbency, and more recently by my colleague, Professor Grawitz.

The present epitome arose out of my desire to perfect the explanations accompanying the plates, which did not seem to me quite sufficient. The various divisions of the Atlas are immediately followed .by corresponding portions of the epitome. Injuries of common occurrence and practical importance are described in detail, while rare ones are described with a few words.

Dr. Helfep.ich.