47 



well to every noble and philanthropic attempt' 

 to extend these blessings without regard to cli- 

 mate or colour. Before we proceed to civilize, 

 we must determine the degree of latitude under 

 which they dwell, and whether they belong to a 

 Caucasian, Mongolian, or Ethiopian variety. 

 Yet these are the inquiries of which you confi- 

 dently assert,* " they afford the only light capable 

 " of directing us through the dark regions of 

 " metaphysics, and the only clue to direct our 

 " course through the intricate mazes of morals." 



I remain, Sir, &c. 



LETTER IX. 



SIR, 



IN your reply to the charges of Mr. Aber- 

 nethy,f you have endeavoured to ridicule that 

 gentleman for making a few elementary truths 

 in anatomy the medium of advancing against 

 you some serious, but, as you believe, un- 

 founded accusations. " Perhaps, however," you 

 say, " like the water in a medical prescription, 

 " they were meant only as an innocent vehicle 



p. 574. fP. 3. 



