Some one has said that "when a book reaches a fifth edition it scarcely
requires a preface." If such be true of a fifth, it is probably still
truer of a sixth edition, and therefore this issue of 'Cooley's
Cyclopædia' might fairly be sent forth to the public without any prefatory
remarks whatever. It is, however, desirable to point out that the present
edition is larger than the last by about six hundred pages; that much
greater space than hitherto is devoted to Hygiène (including sanitation,
the composition and adulteration of foods) as well as to the Arts,
Pharmacy, Manufacturing Chemistry, and other subjects of importance to
those for whom the work is intended.
The articles on what is commonly termed 'Household Medicine' have been
amplified and numerically increased.
Short accounts of the more common diseases, their causes, symptoms, and
treatment, affecting the domesticated animals have been introduced. "Here,
however, it may be useful to repeat the cautions given in other parts of
this volume, as to the impropriety of unnecessarily meddling with the
healing art or neglecting a prompt application" (where and when possible)
"to a duly qualified practitioner in all cases demanding medical or
surgical aid." These remarks of Mr Cooley are as applicable to cases of
Veterinary as to those of Human Medicine.
Numerous authors have necessarily been consulted; a list of them, and the
titles of their works from which information has been derived, will be
found at the end of the second volume. When extracts have been introduced
_verbatim_ the authority is quoted in the body of the book.
Many of my scientific _confrères_ have rendered me valuable aid in
preparing this edition; but I am particularly indebted to my accomplished
and zealous friend Mr John Gardner for his hearty and constant
co-operation; to Dr Lionel Beale for his kindness in revising the articles
on "Urine," "Urinary Diseases," &c., as well as for the use of cuts from
his celebrated works on these subjects; to my friend and former pupil Mr
F. Woodland Toms for revising and rewriting the articles on "Sewage" and
"Water;" and to my assistants Mr James Bayne and Mr Cuthbert Neison for
correcting "proof."
The laborious task of preparing a sixth edition of 'Cooley' having been
accomplished, it is hoped that, due consideration being given to the
magnitude of the work and to the great variety of the subjects treated, it
will be found to be practically free from important errors, and that it
will meet with, at least, the same gratifying reception as that accorded
to its predecessors.