1881J The Recent “ Vivisection Case. 727 
vehemently opposed to war as an unmixed evil, and yet, 
paradoxically enough, a perfect enthusiast for aerial loco- 
motion. He freely admitted that railways, telegraphs, and 
other appliances which it was once hoped would fuse man- 
kind into one peaceful brotherhood, had by no means had 
such an effeft, and had even been utilised for the purposes 
of an invader. Still he hoped that with aerial navigation 
the case would be different, and that even if the horrors 
which I have attempted to point out should be realised, we 
of the present day ought to bear them contentedly, in the 
hope of some fancied “ good time coming.” Are my readers 
so devout in their worship of pseudo-progress that they will 
risk the utter overthrow of civilisation ? 
Somewhat similar in its tendencies and possible results is 
the proposal of submarine navigation, which is also a pet 
idea of my peace-loving friend. 
I would ask now whether it is not a solemn duty on the 
part of inventors to turn their energies in directions where 
at all events there is no fear of promoting crime, treason, 
and aggressive war ? All the inventive genius of our race 
might be exerted for a thousand years to come on subjects 
quite as remunerative for the individual, and much more 
advantageous to the public, without any such drawbacks. 
Are there not diseases and noxious animals to extirpate ? Is 
there not the synthesis of plant-food and perhaps of human 
food from inorganic matter to be effected ? Are there not 
summer rain-clouds to be dispersed, and cloudless night- 
skies in spring to be overcast ? Are there not new sources 
of energy to be discovered, that we must needs employ our 
time and talents in playing into the hands of crime ? 
V. THE RECENT “ VIVISECTION” CASE. 
§ few days ago the scientific and especially the medical 
world were painfully startled by the intelligence 
that application had been made at the Bow-street 
Police Court for a summons against Professor Ferrier, under 
the so-called “ Vivisection Ac 5 t.” The prosecution — it 
might possibly be contempt of court if we were to use a 
