LECTURE II. 61 



On the contrary, however, I cannot but 

 suspect, that the great illumination which 

 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology have 

 of late received on the continent, has in a 

 considerable degree resulted from reflected 

 light, originally emanating from materials 

 which Mr. Hunter brought together, and 

 from his brilliant physiological discoveries. 



In advocating; the cause of Mr. Hunter 

 as a comparative anatomist and physiolo- 

 gist, all I can do is to tell when I think he 

 first ascertained certain facts, or drew cer- 

 tain conclusions. Yet I know it is diffi- 

 cult to prove these propositions, and as I 

 have said *, I shall be often obliged to refer 

 to his writings, in 1776, to show the extent 

 of his information and views at that time. 

 If, however, I fail to prove his title to pri- 

 ority of discovery, or opinion ; still I feel 

 persuaded that what I shall say of him 

 will not be deficient in interest, for I can- 

 not suppose any one will believe, that the 

 unlettered John Hunter borrowed his evi- 



* Lecture I. page 12. 



