In the preface to this volume is the statement "The central purpose of this treatise is to present the pharmacodynamic and pharmacotherapeutic actions of drugs as they are used in the treatment and cure of disease. The principal emphasis of drug action has been the clinical application, as the text is intended mainly for medical students and physicians who must use and evaluate drugs in the treatment of the sick." This purpose has been well fulfilled. The essential actions are described of the agents that have clinical value, and the volume is not encumbered with material of questionable value. The text is divided into nine parts, and these into chapters.
Part I:
After a brief introduction, chapters are given to a presentation of the sources and nature of drugs; the various pharmaceutic preparations, pills, powders, the liquids, etc.; prescription writing; methods of administration and dosage, and, finally, a chapter on