HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF VEGETARIANISM. 465 



' hungry for fish/ having reached that stage when vegetables can no longer 

 satisfy, and his soul, like those of the Hebrews in the desert, begins to lust after 

 the flesh-pots. ('In the South Seas,' Chapter XI,) 



How differently the experiences of mankind appeal to different 

 individuals ! We oppress the living, yet shrink from barbarities 

 toward the dead; we condemn in others the very practises which at 

 times have applied to ourselves. Individual bias is so common among 

 the great masses of people that it is rare to find impersonal judgments 

 in things ethical or religious. But ideas which claim exemption from 

 scientific control can never demand recognition by force of argument 

 alone. 'There is no short cut to truth except through the gateway 

 of scientific method.' The doctrines of the vegetarians have not es- 

 caped the attacks of scientific criticism; with what success they have 

 met, this paper is not intended to proclaim. It has aimed merely to 

 point out some little known historical aspects of a movement which is 

 unique, if not progressive. A position so long and stubbornly held 

 can not be entirely devoid of some resources, and may well offer an 

 occasional helpful suggestion for the improvement of our plans of nu- 

 trition. By the physician and hygienist especially is real progress in 

 dietetics to be welcomed. Qui bene nutruit, optime medehitur. 



VOL. LXIV. — 30. 



