2 REPLY TO THE CHARGES 



I feel obliged to call your attention to this subject ; — 

 not by tlie probability of the accusation, and still less by 

 the arguments adduced in support of it; — but, because the 

 character of the accuser may with some supply the deficiency 

 of proof; — because the silence of contempt, which the illi- 

 berallty and weakness of the charge would so well justify, 

 might be construed by others into an admission of guilt ; — 

 and, if I could appear before you under the possibility of 

 such an admission, you might reasonably suppose me in- 



ciled by a consideration of the real motives, vi'hicli may be discovered with- 

 out a very deep researcli. That the few remarks on life, published in my 

 Introduction to Comparative Anatomy and Physiology, should have been the 

 sole occasion, and have furnished so much of the subject of these Lectures, 

 was an honour altogether unexpected and unwished on my part. If it 

 ehould be thought that I do not shew a proper sense of so distinguished a 

 compliment, by bestowing in return so short a notice on the Physiological 

 Lectures, more particularly when nearly all the opinions and facts they con- 

 tain would afford ample matter for discussion, my apology must be want of 

 room, and not being yet fully convinced that the pretended Hunlerian theory 

 of life is the most important subject that can be entertained by the human 

 mind. This slowness of belief must be pardoned in a modern sceptic. 



Not to fatigue his audience by too much of one thing, however good, the 

 author judiciously interspersed his views of the so-called Hunterian doctrine, 

 and his series of anathemas against the designs, principles, and character of 

 the audacious sceptics who refuse to accept the gracious present, with other 

 topics; and did not disdain to intermix the most elementary anatomical truths. 

 Thus we learn that the head is placed on the top of a column of bones called 

 vertebrae (p. lOS); that the seven up])er ribs are connected by gristles to the 

 breast-bone (121) ; that there are two bones of the fore-arm ; and that the 

 ulna sends backward a projection we name the elbow (126) ; that the wrist 

 is composed of eight lUtle bones (129); &c &c. &c. When we consider 

 that the audience to whom these Lectures were delivered, comprised the ve- 

 nerable elders of our profession, appointed to guard the portals of the great 

 edifice in Lincoln's-Inn Fields; the general body of London surgeons, who, 

 having been admitted within the gates, must be deemed accomplished in all 

 parts of anatomical and surgical science; and the students of the several 

 schools of medicine, who, having devoted one winter at least to anatomical 

 pursuits, must be presumed to possess the a h c of the science; and when we 

 further reflect that the author would undoubtedly be governed in his selec- 

 tion of subjects by a deliberate view and sound estimate of the wants of his 

 audience, we are natvnally anxious to know for which of (he three classes 

 above mentioned these " Early Lessons" in anatomy were designed. Perhaps, 

 however, like the water in a medical prescription, they were only meant as 

 an innocent vehicle for the more act-ive ingredients. 



