166 LECTURE IV. 



able to determine whether by the com- 

 mission of cruelty he is likely to obtain 

 adequate instruction. Indeed before we 

 make experiments on sensitive beings, we 

 ought further to consider whether the in- 

 formation we seek may not be attainable 

 by other means. I am aware of the ad- 

 vantages which have been derived from 

 such experiments when made by persons 

 of talent, and who have properly prepared 

 themselves, but I also know that these 

 experiments tend to harden the feelings, 

 which often leads to the unnecessary 

 and inconsiderate performance of them. 

 Surely we should endeavour to foster, and 

 not to stifle, benevolence, the best sen- 

 timent of our nature, that which is pro- 

 ductive of the greatest gratification and 

 advantage both to its possessor and to 

 others. Considering the professors in this 

 place as the organs of the court of the 

 college; addressing its members, I feel 

 that I act as becomes a senior of this 

 Institution, whilst admitting the propriety 

 of the practice under the foregoing re- 

 strictions, I at the same time express an ear- 



