Page:The Harveian oration, delivered before the Royal College of Physicians, Wednesday, June 27th, 1877 (IA b22314623).pdf/47

 which I have dealt with the topics which I have ventured to touch upon. No one can be more sensible of my inadequacy to fulfil the task which you, Sir, with too indulgent trust, have imposed upon me. But though I crave your merciful con- sideration for my effort, I cannot but admit that I owe you, Sir, a debt of gratitude for having im- posed upon me what has indeed been a labour of love that of again poring over Harvey's works and studying those of his contemporaries. Every page that I have read has only served to convince me, more and more, of the magnitude of the obligations that this College and all generations of medical men who have lived, or will live, after Harvey, are under to him. Would that I could hope to have added the smallest tribute worthy of so great and good a man to the many offerings that his grateful successors have paid to his memory. But, while conscious of my own un- worthiness to dilate on so great a theme, I have no fear that, for want of better advocacy, the power of the Harveian spirit will cease to prevail in English medicine, while so many illustrious workers as grace the present roll of the Royal College of Physicians are evidences of its continued influence.

Though I may not have proved what none but future physicians may fitly endorse, I cling to the belief that in no period of the past has this