Page:The Harveian oration, 1893.djvu/63

39 which used to follow an operation. In fact, almost the only experiments upon the lower animals which involve distress .are those which are most immediately and directly useful to ourselves and to them; inoculations, namely, with a view to reproduce diseases, and the direct therapeutical testing of drugs. Cruelty is utterly repugnant to our calling; and it seems absurd that men, who will with just confidence entrust themselves and the lives of those nearest to them to our protection and care, should yet so far distrust us as to shackle attempts to improve our knowledge and our power by cumbersome and ridiculous restrictions. Let us hope that on the one hand increasing humanity and gentler manners will extend compassion for the lowest of God’s creatures from the educated classes of England and America until it permeates all ranks and all nations ; and that on the other full liberty will be given