Page:The Harveian oration - delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, London, June 29th, 1867 (IA b22315263).pdf/11

 problem which he was afterwards to solve, still physicians needed the support of incorporation; and they gladly welcomed funds and patronage to establish their existence as a learned body, claiming a status in society. Those who are familiar with the character of Harvey, who know how true and noble was his spirit, how simple were his habits, and how ardent was his devotion in the cause of science, cannot wonder that he should follow the example of his predecessors in still more generous measure. Let us then call to mind his own acts of liberality. In 1653, he presented to the college his valuable museum and library; he built a noble hall for the accommodation of the Fellows, and bequeathed in trust his patrimonial estate in Kent, the rent to be appropriated to the payment of a librarian, and to provide monthly collations, as well as an annual feast to be given at the time of the Oration. It was not left to the destructive work of time to sweep away the noble hall—that perished, with all its contents, in the great fire of 1666; but change in custom has rendered the collations obso-