MEMOIR OF JOHN HUNTER. 67 



we have likewise had the pleasing duty of record- 

 ing several subsequent instances of affectionate in- 

 terest. But we have also had occasion to trace some 

 symptoms of rivalry and selfish jealousy which seemed 

 to indicate that the preservation of a certain distance 

 between the brothers was essential to their mutual 

 harmony. For years tins plan succeeded ; or, at all 

 events, there was no apparent rupture. In 1780, how- 

 ever, there occurred a crisis, the immediate cause of 

 which is not perhaps very well ascertained. The 

 most probable account, however, states it thus. Mi- 

 Hunter having on hand some interesting anatomical 

 investigation, invited his brother William to come and 

 witness it ; when he, conceiving that the preparation 

 would prove a very valuable addition to his own 

 museum, caused it to be conveyed to his premises 

 in Great Windmill Street, and when subsequently 

 claimed by John, he refused to return it. 



It has been said that a great French anatomist 

 was wont to express his opinion of his more emi- 

 nent professional brethren in these few words : 

 Grand anatomiste, grand voleur ; and it would ap- 

 pear that the apophthegm ought not to be restricted 

 to one side of the Channel. John Hunter has not 

 escaped from similar charges any more than his 

 brother ; not that he has been accused in any in- 

 stance of direct pilfering ; but in regard to scientific 

 discovery and literary property, it has been frequent- 

 ly alleged that he concealed the successful labours of 

 others, and claimed the results as his own. We 



