PREFACE.

AN attempt has been made in the following pages to represent, in a concise manner, the fundamental principles of Bacteriology. As will be seen from the contents, the material has been so selected and arranged as to meet with the ordinary requirements of Indian students and practitioners. For obvious reasons the practical portion of the subject has been treated in the briefest possible manner.

It may be necessary to add that in the preparation of this work the author has aimed, not so much to marshal facts as to point out principles and suggest problems. Thus, while the achievements of this science are fully acknowledged, its difficulties and limitations are also frankly recognised. This method of presenting a subject is not without its drawbacks, but has the great advantage of contributing to the development of that philosophical or scientific spirit which is at once the aim and object of true culture.

I gladly take the opportunity of expressing my

thanks to Mr. H. J. Curtis, F.R.C.S., and Dr. Alexander Crombie, C.B., for much kind advice and help throughout this work. I am also indebted to Prof. Calmette, of Lille, for many valuable suggestions on the subject of Snake-poisoning.

Lastly, I must acknowledge the extreme courtesy shown to me by the publishers on all occasions.

CLARENDON ROAD, W.,

May, 1903.

M. L. DHINGRA.