의학 생리학.medical physiology. The Book of The Body at Work,A Treatise on the Principles of Physiol

의학 생리학.medical physiology. The Book of The Body at Work,A Treatise on the Principles of Physiology, by Alexander Hill
PREFACE
Few subjects are as well provided with text- books as physiology; yet it may
be doubted whether the interests of the amateur of science have been adequately
cared for. From his point of view there are certain obvious drawbacks to even
the most admirable of text- books. Writing for medical students, their authors
assume that their readers have passed through two years of preliminary training
in physics, chemistry, and biology; they take for granted that they will have the
privilege of supplementing their study of the theory of physiology with practical
work in a laboratory; they treat all parts of the subject with equal thoroughness.
In this book I have endeavoured to describe the phenomena of life, and the
principal conclusions which have been drawn as to their interdependence and as
to their causes, in language which will be understood by persons unacquainted
with the sciences upon which physiology is based. I have omitted all reference
to experimental methods and to the technique of the science, save when a
knowledge of the means by which information has been obtained is essential to
a comprehension of its bearing. I have passed over such sections of the subject
as are generally considered unsuitable for ordinary discussion. And since this
book neither aims at being an introduction to the systematic study of physiology,
nor poses as an aid in the preparation for professional examinations, I have
treated with some thoroughness the more recondite and the more suggestive
results of recent research, and have tried to indicate the trend of modern thought
regarding [ Pg vi] problems as yet unsolved. I have endeavoured to reflect the
intrinsic interest of the science apart altogether from its medical applications.
An author who attempts the popular exposition of a science must stand
sufficiently far away from his subject to lose sight of its details, whilst keeping its
outlines clearly in view. The difficulty of finding such a position is probably greater
in the case of physiology than in that of any other science. Few of its conclusions
are indisputable―even those which seem to be most in accord with the balance
of evidence. If my treatment of any vexed questions is unjustifiably dogmatic,
this will, I trust, be attributed to the desire to present a definite picture, and not
to forgetfulness of considerations which seem to call for qualified statements. All
physiologists will agree that a book which recorded every piece of evidence which
is difficult to reconcile with the views generally adopted would not only extend to
an inordinate length, but would leave a very indefinite impression on the mind of
the reader.
In many cases the value of a conclusion depends upon the reputation for
insight and accuracy of the physiologist who recorded the observations upon
which it is based. It is no want of appreciation of the genius of the workers who
have contributed most largely to the advance of the science which has led me to
omit, save in a few classical instances, the names of all authorities. It is solely
due to a desire to lighten this book of all details not essential to the
comprehension of the propositions which it sets forth.
The illustrations are reproductions of blackboard drawings. A few of them
have already appeared in my Physiologist’s Notebook and Primer of Physiology;
but the large majority are now printed for the first time.
ALEX HILL.
November, 1908.