Page:Hunterian oration, delivered in the theatre of the Royal College of Surgeons in London on February 14th 1829 (electronic resource) (IA b2148305x).pdf/24

20 who can pursue the closest reasoning to the utmost limits of perfect truth.

The great Bacon, who has explained every order and adjustment, by which the powers of the mind can be brought into operation for the advancement of science, has divided the distinctions of nominal philosophers into three heads; but the division may be justly applied to the qualities of the minds of those, who aspire to the rank of men of science.

The first, the lowest in the scale, are those who resemble the ant; their life is occupied in accumulating knowledge, but their exertions end with the accumulation; they add nothing to the stores of science.

The second class is resembled to the spider: these are those who employ all the art they possess to elevate themselves above others: they have knowledge, but it is merely