Page:The Harveian oration - delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, London, June 24, 1870 (IA b22307643).pdf/28

 operation of an infinite wisdom and power in nature does not obviate secondary causes or explain the processes which lie between the extremes of existence. I admit that, as Darwin says, the imagination fails to con- ceive the means in their operation, and that it would rather avoid the labour of inquiry. But if, in the study of natural phenomena, our choice lies between the inconceivable and the miraculous, there can be no doubt where it must be made. That which is only inconceivable may be made clear by advancement of knowledge; but that which is miraculous supposes agencies above and beyond human knowledge, and therefore makes all labour to investigate it useless and vain.

The feebleness and impatience of the in- tellect will ever incline us to believe that each advance of knowledge is bringing us near to the point of its consummation. It is so with every discovery; and it is well it should be so, otherwise the ardent inquirer might sit down hopeless at the extent and difficulties of the route to be traversed and