i 4 THE GROWTH OF TRUTH 



up in 1593, there were those of middle age who could 

 tell racy stories of Caius, the co-founder of the college, 

 against whose iron rule they had rebelled. 'Charged 

 not only with a show of a perverse stomach to the 

 professors of the Gospel, but with Atheism/ the last 

 days of Caius's noble life were embittered by strife and 

 misunderstanding. Doubtless the generous souls among 

 them had long since learned to realize the greatness of 

 his character, and were content to leave ' the heat of his 

 faith to God's sole judgement, and the light of his good 

 works to men's imitation ', with which words, half 

 a century later, the inimitable Fuller concludes a short 

 sketch of his life. I like to think that, perhaps, one 

 of these very rebels, noting the studious and inquisitive 

 nature of Harvey, had put into the lad's hand the little 

 tractate, De libris propriis, from which to glean a know- 

 ledge of the life and works of their great benefactor. 



The contemplation of such a career as that of Caius 

 could not but inspire with enthusiasm any young man. 

 No one in the profession in England had before that 

 time reached a position which I may describe as 

 European. An enthusiastic student and the friend of 

 all the great scholars of the day ; a learned commentator 

 on the works of the Fathers ; the first English student 

 in clinical medicine; a successful teacher and practi- 

 tioner ; a keen naturalist ; a liberal patron of learning 

 and letters ; a tender and sympathetic friend Johannes 

 Caius is one of the great figures in our history. Nor 

 need I dwell, before this audience, on his devotion to 

 our interests, other than to say that the memory of no 

 Fellow on our roll should be more precious to us. 

 Four years hence, on October 6, will occur the quater- 

 centenary of his birth. As well in love as in gratitude, 

 we could celebrate it in no more appropriate manner, 



