338 LECTURE VII. 



philosophers. But the party I alkide to are 

 not real sceptics, and their professions and 

 conduct form a curious example of a vis 

 ineiiicB ; for after resolving not to think on 

 certain subjects, they argumentatively en- 

 deavour to prevent others from thinking ; 

 whilst on the one side they reject a very few 

 propositions, merely because they are defi- 

 cient in a kind of proof that the subject does 

 not allow of, and that cannot be rationally 

 required ; on the other, they admit a host 

 of absurdities, apparently without examin- 

 ation. Therefore, upon the very grounds of 

 their own doubt, they marshall and exercise 

 pernicious and discordant opinions, drawn 

 from every possible and remote source, with 

 which they assail the opinions of others, that 

 at least may be said to be innocent and use- 

 ful, but which also confer a dignity on 

 human nature, and excite us to generous 

 and honourable actions. I feel it to be my 

 duty, Gentlemen, to prevent, if possible, 

 the banners of physiology from being pur- 

 loined and carried into such a service j and 

 yours not to suffer those of our profession 

 in general, to appear in so disgraceful and 

 mischievous a contest. 



