Economic Zoology: An Introductory Text-Book in Zoology, With Special Reference to Its Applications in Agriculture, Commerce and Medicine (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Economic Zoology: An Introductory Text-Book in Zoology, With Special Reference to Its Applications in Agriculture, Commerce and Medicine

The immense progress in recent years in the application of scientific knowledge concerning animals to the affairs of everyday life, the great extent to which animals and animal products enter into commerce, and the very vital relation that is now known to exist between various forms of life and the diseases affecting man and the domestic animals, seem to warrant a general text in zoology in which these phases of the subject are given more emphasis than has been the practice. Such a viewpoint has, moreover, the advantage of awaking an interest in the subject which, from a purely educational standpoint, is not to be overlooked. Interest is one of the prime factors in concentrated, effective study, and to know that the subject studied bears in an important way on life and prospective duties is no small element in successful study. It is the writer's belief that such forms as the parasitic worms, trichina, earthworm, oyster, crayfish, grasshopper, mosquito, fish, or bird lose none of their scientific interest or value as disciplinary objects of study when their importance to human life is considered. On the contrary, his own experience leads him to believe that this viewpoint stimulates to more careful and effective study.

This book, however, is not intended merely as a text-book for the school or college student, but it is hoped that it may be of service to that ever-increasing body of citizens who wish to familiarize themselves with the general principles and the present status of knowledge regarding the animal kingdom.

In a subject that is undergoing rapid change and constant addition, it is impossible that a text-book should present the latest word on every topic.