Clinical Hematology [antikvár]

PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION The preparation of a new edition of a book on hematology is becoming a more and more laborious task. Even one who attempts to keep abreast of advances in the field of hematology as they appear does not readily appreciate the volume of material which is published annually until he attempts to review- it. Nevertheless, as in the case of earlier editions, the work of revising this book has been a rewarding effort; it has presented the opportunity, as well as the need, to think about and digest the large number and variety of important contributions to the field of hematology which have been made in the interval since the preceding edition appeared. Seen individually as they have been published, these sometimes have failed to impress one as much as they should; fitted together, some as bricks and stones and a few as keystones which may be used to complete a bridge of knowledge along some path until then uncertain in its details, they give proof of the important advances which are continuously being made. The greater proportion of the text of the third edition has required modification, some of it quite extensively. Two chapters have been added, one on blood groups and blood transfusion, another on the abnormal hemoglobin syndromes. A number of chapters or large sections of chapters have been entirely rewritten, such as Chapter 3 which deals with the production and destruction of the red corpuscles, that portion of Chapter 5 which deals with coagulation, and the chapters on hemolytic anemias and on hemorrhagic disorders. Many other chapters have been revised extensively. There are 23 additional tables. The total number of illustrations has been increased only by 16 but many of the original figures have been changed. The new material which has been added comprises approximately 800 typed manuscript pages. To make room for this, much of the text of the third edition has had to be rewritten and condensed. A total of 1600 new references has been added and 887 have been deleted. One plate in color has been discarded, three new ones have been added and three plates in black and white have been replaced in color. There is also an additional plate in black and white. The author hopes that he has done justice to the many splendid contributions which have been made in the field of heniatologj- in the j'ears since the third edition was prepared. He wishes to thank all those who have generously furnished reprints of their papers. A special note of thanks is due to the writers of critical reviews. (5) I I i-i