PREFACE
TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
The author regrets that circumstances beyond his control
have delayed the re-appearance of the present work
beyond the period at which it was called for by the favourable
reception of the last edition. He has endeavoured to
take advantage of the numerous investigations which have
been carried on during the interval into the several departments
of Toxicology in the leading countries of Europe;
and has in consequence been led to enlarge the work materially.
He trusts it may be allowed him to express his satisfaction at finding, that the rapid progress made by Toxicological science during the last eight years, while it has been productive of many important additions to our knowledge, has nevertheless not rendered any important alterations necessary either in the general principles formerly laid down in this work, or in what had been there stated as well ascertained general facts.
Edinburgh College, }
November, 1844. }
