279 
ORDINARY MEETING. 
Puiu Vernon Smith, Esq., M.A., LU.M., &c., 
IN THE CHAIR. 
The following Paper was read by the Author :—* 
DEONTOLOGY. By the Rev. H. J. CLARKE. f 
+ a the psychic affections to which human nature is 
subject include a sense of duty, we may affirm without 
fear of contradiction, and without binding ourselvés to 
determine at what stage in the process of their evolution it 
first becomes apparent. In ordinary cases it is found to 
constitute one among sundry characteristics which manifest 
themselves gradually, in various measures, and under con- 
ditions more or less favourable, promiment among the latter 
being education and hereditary tendencies. When in indi- 
vidual cases no trace of it can be discerned, its absence arrests 
attention, and, just in proportion asin those instances growth 
and culture have developed the rest, is accounted abnormal. 
A man of rare intellect and exquisitely refined tastes, if his 
conscience own no law superior to what may chance to be 
his passing inclination, if his conduct be determined by no 
considerations which presuppose reverential regard for truth 
and uprightness, is, when contemplated from the ethical 
point of view, looked upon asa monster. No one expects to 
find a sense of moral obligation in an infant; if imperceptible 
in an idiot, it is never missed, nor, however rudimentary and 
* March 2nd, 1891. + Vicar of Great Barr, Birmingham, author 
of The Fundamental Science, &c. 
TWENTY-SIXTH SESSION. 
