Medical Entomology

MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY by Robert Matheson. Originally published in 1932. Preface: MORE than seventeen years have passed since the first edition of Med ical Entomology was published. In the original preface the important role played by insects and other arthropods in the transmission, causation, and spread of human and animal diseases was stressed. Today no such em phasis is needed, for the important role of insects in human welfare was fully demonstrated during World War II. Recognition of the effects of insect-borne diseases on the armies and navies of the belligerents has impelled our medical and entomological services and the governments of all nations to conduct extensive investigations on all phases of the problem. The results of many of these investigations, some of which are continuing, have not yet been published. In the present work the writer has attempted, with varying - iiccess, to bring together all data available by the end of 1948. s completely rewritten text is offered to the physician, the entomologist, the public health worker, the student, and the layman in order to give them an authoritative survey of our present knowledge. The writer has not at- empted to usurp the function of the physician, so the reader need not ex pect to find a discussion of treatment he will find, however, a brief account f the best known methods of controlling the insects involved in disease transmission or causation. Here great advances have been made during the ast few years. The reader is warned, however, that all the newer insecticides must be used with care and directions should be followed carefully. The literature on insect-borne diseases is voluminous, widely scattered in many and varied journals, monographs, government publications, and other sources, and difficult to cover adequately. For this reason a list of journals, textbooks, and other - publications that will enable the student to find the latest information is given at the end of the first chapter of the present work. Furthermore, each chapter is provided with a selected bibliography. Many of the references given have long bibliographies these references are starred. The writer gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to the numerous authors whose publications he has consulted or quoted. Wherever illusl material is borrowed, full acknowledgment is given if, by accident does not appear, due apology is hereby offered. To the many colle, friends, and students who have given suggestions, furnished material, a other ways co-operated with him, the writer desires to tender his s thanks. He is under special obligation to Mr. Harvey I. Scudder for -the galley proof, and to Mr. C. Y. Chow for checking the manuscn reference to malaria in China. ROBERT MATIIES Ithaca, New September 1949