i882.J Advancement of Medicine by Research. 263 
fire. But if anyone inflicts upon an animal one tithe of such 
torment for the sake of discovery he is liable to a penalty of 
£50, and, in addition, possibly to imprisonment. Yet, in 
spite of such absurdities and inconsistencies, Sir W. Jenner 
tells us that he and those who are aCting with him do not 
even ask for a modification of the law ! It might not be 
possible at the present moment, and while public opinion 
remains in its present morbid condition, to obtain a repeal of 
the law, or even for any substantial amendments. But 
public opinion, which has been industriously infeCted and 
corrupted by persons whom we may designate as social 
disease-germs, may under judicious treatment recover. Now 
to promote such recovery is, we are glad to find, one of the 
objects of the Association. Sir James Paget stated, very 
truly, “ The Society to be formed would address itself to the 
really intelligent portion of the public, and enlighten them 
on the subject of medical science.” This is very well ; the 
public — even the respectable and intelligent portion of it, 
prelates and peers of the realm not excepted — are grossly 
ignorant on the subject of medical science. To enlighten 
them would be well, but what purpose would this enlighten- 
ment serve if it is not to pave the way to a repeal of the 
ACt ? Misrepresentations and sophisms have been the seed 
of the ACt ; public ignorance the soil in which it flourished. 
Can we seek to destroy those seeds and that soil with any 
other purpose than to ensure the withering of the evil 
crop ? 
We find Sir Risdon Bennet moving that “ the Council 
shall take note of and seek to remove any hindrance which 
may appear to them to be operating adversely to the progress 
of medical knowledge.” What is the “ hindrance ” save 
the ACt in question ? 
There are some further peculiarities about the proposed 
Association which seem of doubtful expedience. There is 
no fixed subscription, “ but members of the Association are 
invited to give such aid as they may desire to the general 
purposes of the Association, or towards special expenses 
incurred.” This arrangement seems scarcely judicious, 
since, if the Council mean real business, funds must be 
regularly and abundantly forthcoming. To enlighten the 
public is a costly undertaking. 
Again, if we do not misinterpret the reports of the pro- 
ceedings, the membership of the Association is open, with 
the exception of some few official personages, to medical 
men only. Sir James Paget proposed “ That registered 
medical men desirous of promoting the above objects shall, 
