LETTERS. 617 



ranged iii some way. The case of the plasterer 1 to which you 

 refer is indeed a curious one, and might supply a text for a 

 lengthened commentary by way of illustration. But it is in 

 vain that you apply the spur to urge me, at my present age, 

 not mature merely but declining, to gird myself for any new 

 investigation. For I- now consider myself entitled to my 

 discharge from duty. It will, however, always be a pleasant 

 sight for me to see distinguished men like yourself engaged 

 in this honorable arena. Farewell, most learned sir, and 

 whatever you do, still love 



Yours, most respectfully, 



WILLIAM HARVEY. 



London, 24th April 1657. 



1 [Vlackveld had sent to Harvey the particulars of a case of diseased bladder, in 

 which that viscus was found after death not larger than " a walnut with the husk," 

 its walls as thick as the thickness of the little finger, and its inner surface ulcerated. 

 -ED.] 



