76 LAY SERMONS, ESSAYS, AND REVIEWS. [v. 



nite scheme of development, regulate even the strangest and 

 wildest manifestations of individual life, she prepares the 

 student to look for a goal even amidst the erratic wanderings 

 of mankind, and to believe that history offers something more 

 than an entertaining chaos a journal of a toilsome, tragi-comic 

 march nowhither. 



The preceding considerations have, I hope, served to indicate 

 the replies which befit the first two of the questions which I set 

 before you at starting, viz. What is the range and position of 

 Physiological Science as a branch of knowledge, and what is its 

 value as a means of mental discipline ? 



Its Subject-matter is a large moiety of the universe its posi 

 tion is midway between the physico-chemical and the social 

 sciences. Its value as a branch of discipline is partly that which 

 it has in common with all sciences the training and strengthen 

 ing of common sense ; partly that which is more peculiar to 

 itself the great exercise which it affords to the faculties of 

 observation and comparison ; and I may add, the exactness of 

 knowledge which it requires on the part of those among its 

 votaries who desire to extend its boundaries. 



If what has been said as to the position and scope of Biology 

 be correct, our third question What is the practical value of 

 physiological instruction ? might, one would think, be left to 

 answer itself. 



On other grounds even, were mankind deserving of the title 

 &quot; rational,&quot; which they arrogate to themselves, there can be no 

 question that they would consider, as the most necessary of all 

 branches of instruction for themselves and for their children, 

 that which professes to acquaint them with the conditions of 

 the existence they prize so highly which teaches them how to 

 avoid disease and to cherish health, in themselves and those 

 who are dear to them. 



I am addressing, I imagine, an audience of educated persons ; 

 and yet I dare venture to assert that, with the exception of those 

 of my hearers who may chance to have received a medical 

 education, there is not one who could tell me what is the 



