A knowledge of the value of Professor Rokitansky's personal instructions increases my estimation of the honor of being called to translate and edit a portion of his writings. I take this opportunity of acknowledging that honor, which has been conferred upon me by the Council of the Sydenham Society, as well as of expressing my thanks for their kind acquiescence in my wish to undertake those chapters principally which relate to the practice of Surgery.

The Preface to the Second Volume, by my friend Dr. Sieveking, leaves nothing for those who follow him to add, except, indeed, the testimony of time, that such a work as Rokitansky's "Pathological Anatomy" becomes increasingly valuable to those by whom it is used. But the portion on "Special Pathological Anatomy" must be used, as it was written, less as an elegant essay on disease than as a register of well-observed - well-weighed - well-arranged facts. It is not adapted for the merely classical reader, but is a companion for the museum or pathological theatre, - a Lexicon, in which each case, as it occurs and needs explanation, may be found already at hand and in its place. It is, therefore, an invaluable book of reference for those who, amid the hurry of practice, require prompt and complete information. It should be observed, however, that facts take prominence in it according to their general pathological import. Rare facts, when isolated, too often occupy undue attention; by Rokitansky they are dismissed, perhaps in a few lines, - curtly explained, yet perfectly, because placed in their true relation to other facts.

The observation, that Rokitansky has not availed himself of the writings of all British pathologists, may not be without some truth. His work is, however, abundantly original, and cannot fail of being yet more highly estimated in this country the more it is known. Were there no other proof of this, it might be found in the needless labor that is still incurred by some English pathologists to arrive at facts and opinions which have been already ascertained, and already weighed, by Rokitansky. From his work, as from a fresh starting-point, such laborers may advance to new discoveries, without the risk of having priority claimed by a foreign observer.

I have made an effort, with difficulty indeed, to avoid the introduction of new scientific terms, and have therefore ventured to adopt a different title for the chapters from that which has been employed in the previous volume. I have done so, however, with the less reluctance, as either mode of translating the original word "Abnormitaten" is perfectly intelligible, and as none of its general import appears to be lost, though divided between the two words "Anomalies and Diseases".

As to the other characters of the present volume, a translator has best fulfilled his duty, if he seem not to intervene between the author and his readers.

In the descriptions of microscopic appearances, I have mostly sought the judgment of my colleague, Mr. De Morgan. To him, and to my kinsman, Dr. Moore, I am most happy to offer my grateful acknowledgment of their kind assistance in this, and not only in this, professional effort.

C. H. M.

Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square, October, 1850.