Bioengineering of the Skin: Skin Imaging & Analysis PDF

Preface to the Second Edition

In the eight years since publication of the first edition, enormous progress has been made in the field of skin imaging and analysis. Because of the broad array of new methods now available to the research scientist—and more and more to the clinically- oriented dermatologist—we were able to widen the scope of this book from the skin surface to the entire skin. This is also reflected in the change of the volume title, Bioengineering of the Skin: Skin Imaging and Analysis.

Hence, this second edition is a major revision of the first edition, with more than 30 new chapters added.

Those chapters that were already included in the first edition were revised to reflect up-to-date knowledge. In order to comply with space and cost requirements, those chapters dealing with ‘‘older methodology,'' which might still have their right and value for many research and/or clinical objectives, but with little change and development from the time of publication of the first edition could not be included in this volume.

In a time of ever-increasing speed, budget constraints, and double and triple obligations, we extend our sincerest thanks to our valued contributors—the eminent experts in the field of skin imaging and analysis: without the enthusiasm and commitment to write contributions in their ‘‘leisure time,'' this book would not have been possible.

We acknowledge the skillful secretarial assistance of Anna-Karin Jenzen and Anet Carstensen and thank Barbara Ellen Norwitz, Kari Budyk, Sandra Beberman, and Dana Bigelow at Informa Healthcare, U.S.A., Inc./CRC Press for committing to this volume and for accelerating the editorial process. We hope that this new and completely revised edition will remain the reference book in the rapidly developing field of skin imaging and analysis and that the format will continue to provide a perfect introduction to the novice and be the valued reference and stimulation for the expert.