Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/26

 He spoke of Harvey's discovery as one "that is not only one of those cardinal discoveries which lic at the very foundation of physiology and medicine, but is one that from its very naturc forms one of those great landmarks which must remain in the sight of all." Upon that topic it is unnecessary for me to dilate before an audience in whose cars the words of Parkes still ring. But it may not be unfitting to inquire whether we, the spiritual descendants of Harvey, are carrying on the great tradition which we have received from him in a manner that he would approve of-by a steady pursuit of truth for its own sake, by that rigid sobriety of judgment which everywhere characterised his researches, by that "mar- vellous industry" and "insatiable curiosity" with which he prosecuted his researches to the day of his death.

Our Hunters, our Marshall Halls, our Bells, our Brodies, all tro in Harvey's paths, and have largely aided in the onward movement of medical science in this country; but I think I do not indulge in a vain "Eidolon," if I look upon the present period of British medicine as one to which pre-eminently the term of the Harveian age of medicine may be justly applied. The future only can determine the meed of praise to be awarded to an individual, and will not fail to correct any exaggerated estimate which a contemporary may