In going through the preceding pages (Part II) with a comparative
anatomist, it became evident that some few popular and other errors
and misconceptions had crept into this portion of M. Macé's usually
clear and accurate work.
Naturally it was not in his power to verify all the statements he had
to make on so many and such varied subjects, and he appears occasionally
to have trusted to works of old-fashioned or doubtful authority.
In these cases I have considered it desirable to make such corrections
as should secure the trustworthiness of the descriptions as far as
they pretend to go.
It would not, however, have been in my power to accomplish this, but
for the kind and efficient aid I have received from a scientific student
of these subjects; and I am glad of this opportunity of acknowledging
how much I am indebted to him for his assistance in making the necessary
alterations, as well as for confirming the correctness of the greater
portion of the work.