fof the year 1876. xxi 



one of the most important steps in medical science achieved 

 in modern times. 



In connexion with this subject there is a matter which is 

 exciting some considerable attention in England just now — I 

 refer to the movement against vivisection. It is, of course, well 

 known that experiments on living animals are frequently 

 made by physiologists and others with the view of extending 

 our knowledge of the vital functions of anatomy, and the 

 action of chemical and other substances, in all cases ostensibly 

 for the benefit of the human race. Of late years, however, 

 a popular belief has grown up among a certain class in 

 England that vivisection and torture of animals was 

 practised to a very large extent in that country without 

 adequate reason, and by persons not influenced by the 

 highest motives, and very strenuous efibrts were made to 

 put a stop to such practices. The general public, however, 

 are now convinced that this belief was erroneous in a great 

 measure, and the statements as to the prevalence of the 

 practice exaggerated ; for while weU-known and eminent 

 physiologists did resort to vivisection in prosecuting their 

 investigations, it was nearly always with that regard for the 

 suffering or life of God's creatures which must necessarily 

 influence all truly scientific men. The amount of vivisection 

 practised was very small, and cases of wanton cruelty or 

 needless experiment were found, to be exceedingly few. 

 While repudiating any sympathy with that indiscriminate 

 sentimentality which characterised the more violent part of 

 this movement, I am of opinion that some legislation on the 

 matter is highly desirable to protect tbe earnest investigator 

 on the one hand from the undue interference of sentimental 

 busybodies, and to prevent an unnecessary resort to vivi- 

 section or experiment on animals, or carelessness or cruelty 

 in the practice of it when necessary on the other. There 

 has been a Royal Commission, which has inquired into the 



