6 PATHFINDERS OF PHYSIOLOGY 



the small dagger he wore by his side." His individuality was marked, 

 as was evidenced by the strong impression he made upon those with 

 whom he came in contact. His intellectual power and independence 

 of character were unusual. His interests were wider than his scien- 

 tific studies. According to an anonymous biographer* of the eight- 

 eenth century, "He was well read in ancient and modem history; 

 and when he was wearied with too close attention to the study of 

 nature, he would relax his mind by discoursing to his friends on 

 political subjects and the state of public affairs. He took great 

 pleasure in reading from the ancient poets, and especially Virgil, 

 with whose work he was exceedingly delighted. He was laboriously 

 studious, regular and virtuous in his life and had a strong sense of 

 reli^^ on^ In his familiar conversation there was a mixture of^-gi'avity 

 and cheerfulness; he expressed himself with great perspicuity, and 

 with much grace and dignity; and was eminent for his great candor 

 and moderation. He never endeavored to detract from the merit of 

 other men; but appeared always to think that the virtues of others 

 were to be imitated and not envied." 



In spite of his choleric and hasty disposition he had the faculty 

 of making close friendships. His replies to his critics showed great 

 moderation. Harvey's true character is probably best seen in that 

 period of his life which was beset with opposition and reproach, im- 

 mediately following the publication of his great work on the circu- 

 lation. TaJais_traducer^-h^ of the divine 

 Master, "To return evil speaking with evil speaking I hold to be un- 

 worthy of a philosopher and searcher after truth. I believe I shall 

 do better and more advisedly if I meet so many indications of ill- 

 breeding with the light of faithful and conclusive observation." His 

 attitude also resembles that of Darwin who, on the publication of his 

 Origin of the Species, was met with a storm of abuse from clerical 

 ignorance. It is said that the great evolutionist not only observed a 

 tranquility impassionate and unique but even condescended to reply at 

 length with courtesy to the rantings of those who vilified without 

 even reading his work or comprehending the object of their denunci- 

 ations, 



Harvey was not a religious man in the narrow sense of the term 

 despite the fact that he lived in an age of warring creeds. His views 

 were broad as befitted a student of the design and workmanship of 

 the Great Architect of the universe. Aceor4ingjto Sir Russell Rey- 

 noM«,J^ devout and reverential recognition of God"' permeated his 

 work, "not only as the great primal ever-acting force, defined outside 

 and before all the works of nature; but as the Being, 'the Almighty 

 and Eternal God' to whom he says in his last will and testament, *I 

 do most humbly render my soul to Him who gave it; and to my 

 blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.' " 



Harvey's knowledge of Latin was so thorough that he could con- 

 verse with facility equal to his native tongue. He was accustomed 

 to employ both English and Latin even in the same sentence, for ex- 

 ample, speaking of the eyes and their function: "Oculi eodem loco, 

 viz, nobilissimi supra et ante ad processus eminentes instar capitis 

 in a lobster snayles comubus tactu pro visu utuntur unde oculi as a 

 centinell to the army locis editis anterioribus." 



•British Biographies, Vol. IV., London, 1768. 



