THE CONQUEST OF DISEASE 



V 



scientific worker knows the harm and danger 

 of such prematurity. In some enlightened com- 

 munities in which it has been impossible for 

 these opponents of scientific investigation to 

 have prohibitive laws enacted, they attempt to 

 have passed laws which purport to "regulate" 

 animal experiments, but which are to act as 

 entering wedges for prohibitive and hampering 

 laws. 



The community, represented in the state, if 

 it were wise would not only not place restric- 

 tions in the way of the men who are making 

 the scientific investigations, but it would render 

 them every possible aid. It is public short- 

 sightedness not to give help to the work that has 

 for its object the relief of human suffering, the 

 lengthening of life, and the promotion of physi- 

 cal efficiency. Physicians and biologists who are 

 engaged in such work are human and have the 

 failings and limitations of all men, but they 

 represent a class which in its feeling of moral 

 obligation to both men and animals embodies 

 the highest human attributes. It is inconceiv- 

 able that men who in their treatment of human 

 beings and in their families are gentle and 

 considerate could countenance unkindness to 



animals. 



154 



