The anatomical study of an animal is chiefly a matter of applying a certain practical method of exposition, the student's attention being concentrated on those facts which can be made out by direct observation. This method is educative in the technical sense because it involves accurate discernment of detail, and because, as a means of obtaining first-hand information, it is the foundation of laboratory practice.
This being the case, it is a very pertinent question what is the best procedure. So far, as the present book is concerned, it is expected that the study of the type will begin  with at least a preliminary survey of the prepared skeleton (Part II). This will be followed by dissection (Part III), in which the order by sections will be found of less importance than that of details in any particular region and  and in which portions of the skeleton related to the part under examination may be included.
The regional method of approach is indicated rather than the more complete study of single systems, partly for the sake of economy of material and partly in belief that this aids understanding of the topographical and other interrelations between systems, encouraging the building up of a conception of the individual organism as an integrated unit.
The general matter of Part I is purely accessory and, though necessarily incomplete in many ways, is designed to afford a comprehensive view of the various factors upon which mammalian structure depends. It will be found that only the first few chapters are introductory in most respects, the remainder being rather explanatory and hence most valuable if used to supplement the directions for dissection as this is carried out.
In preparation of the eighth edition of the
Practical Anatomy of the Rabbit
use has been made of extensive notes recorded in the laboratory during successive years of employment of the previous edition. All relevant questions raised by students or other instructors for which an adequate answer was found not to be readily available in the text have been noted and an attempt has been made to provide answers for them in the revisions. The whole text has been searchingly surveyed with the result that many small changes have been made, parts have been expanded, and a few have been entirely rewritten.