Page:Hunterian oration, delivered in the theatre of the Royal College of Surgeons in London on February 14th 1829 (electronic resource) (IA b2148305x).pdf/8

4 unter, some solicitude is felt to show the great disparity between the real man of science, and the person who only simulates this character.

The measure of excellence in man is discovered in his aptitude to be governed by the power of truth. The luminous rays that open to him a path to wisdom, come from those intellectual faculties which prove the ability of enquiring into truth. Truth is the aim and end of every research. It is the point from which we commence —the step by which we advance—the conclusion to which we desire to arrive. Devotedness to perfect, absolute, unbiassed truth, is that which ought alone to regulate our respect and admiration in the character of man. How few possess firmness and disinterestedness enough, to toil up the rugged ascent by which its temple is approached; and ingenuousness enough, to give up the mind to the elevation and chastening, which can