Page:Hunterian oration, delivered in the theatre of the Royal College of Surgeons in London on February 14th 1829 (electronic resource) (IA b2148305x).pdf/6

2 rise above the level of the stream in which they are hurrying forward, then the gratification may be enjoyed of measuring the powers, of scanning the variety, and of contemplating the beauties, of intellectual man.

Hunter has attained so prominent a position in the rank of science, by his enquiries into the laws of nature, that the philosopher must derive gratification in contemplating his character. And the gratitude of his successors can do no less than place upon the altar he has raised, the ample offering due to his merits. It was Hunter who stamped the seal of science on surgery,— it was he who aggrandized the respectability of the profession. It was he who consigned to the votaries of knowledge the most brilliant example of steadfastness in the endurance of labour—of devotedness to the objects of enquiry—and of facility in varying his means. Hunter, simple and r