Endocrines and Osmoregulation : A Comparative Account of the Regulation of Water and Salt in Vertebrates

It is an old and trite saying that a preface is written last, placed first and read least. It may also be an explanation or justification for what follows, especially if the author feels that the reader may not agree with him . This is thus, something of an apologia. When I first agreed to write this book, I felt that it was to be directed principally towards the endocrine system of vertebrates especially asthere were availablesome excellent accounts of their osmoregulation. However, it was soon apparent to me that in order to appreciate the role of the endocrines one must strongly emphasize non-endocrine functions involved in the regulation of the animals water and salt balance. In addition several years have elapsed since a full account of vertebrate osmoregulation has been given. I have thus felt free to take an overall look at the animals water and salt metabolism, but have especially emphasized more recent contributions. Possibly the book should now be called 'Osmoregulation and the Endocrines'. From reviews of the previous edition: "I strongly recommend it as an essential reading and reference book for younger and older workers alike." (Nature) "This is an authoritative, comprehensive and highly profes- sional treatment of its subject." (Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology) "Bentley has succeeded in making this book valuable to an audience beyond the zoologists ..." (The Quarterly Review of Biology) Front Matter....Pages N1-XVI Osmotic Problems of Vertebrates....Pages 1-37 The Vertebrate Endocrine System....Pages 39-87 The Mammals....Pages 89-110 The Birds....Pages 111-134 The Reptiles....Pages 135-159 The Amphibia....Pages 161-197 The Fishes....Pages 199-254 Back Matter....Pages 255-300