L845 B92 1853 PREFACE то THE FIRST EDITION. THE materials of which the present volume is composed accumulated gradually during eight years in which I have been engaged in hospital practice. For the first three of those years, I was the visiting Physician to the Seamen's Hospital, Dreadnought, where my attention was especially called to diseases of the liver, which are there very frequent among men who have been much in India and other hot climates. The chapter on abscess of the liver formed the substance of the Gulstonian Lectures, which I had the honor to deliver at the College of Physicians, in 1842, and which were printed in the Medical Ga zette. In pursuing my investigations, I have had great help from my friend and former colleague, Mr. Busk, the accomplished surgeon of the Dreadnought, who was not only ever ready to give me his most valuable aid when we were acting together, but who has ever since continued to call my attention to all cases of especial interest occurring in his practice. All who are versed in the recent progress of anatomy may form some judgment of the great value of Mr. Busk's assistance, in a scientific point of view; but only those who have the happiness to enjoy his friendship can appreciate the singular disinterestedness with which it was given. I am also much indebted to my friend, Mr. Bowman, for microscopic specimens illustrating the structure of the liver, and for some interesting cases which he has placed at my disposal, as well as for the readiness with which he has on several occasions aided me by his intimate knowledge of structure. |