PREFACE. THE design of the Author in preparing this work has been to provide a popular handbook on Human Physiology, adapted for that large class of readers who have but little time for study or recreation, and who have no access to more extensive works on the subject. He has throughout used the plainest language to make his meaning easily understood; and he has been careful to avoid the use of scientific terms, excepting only where more simple names and definitions could not be obtained. His purpose has been to make the work useful and interesting; so that its study might be a pleasant pastime rather than a task. And if his efforts result in creating a spirit of inquiry on the subject, and a desire for further investigation, he will be satisfied that his labour has not been without its reward. He is persuaded that a careful study of the subject is likely to prove highly beneficial to all young persons, for whose welfare he has been chiefly concerned. London: August, 1877. |