Page:The Harveian oration - delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, October 18th, 1899 (IA b24975941).pdf/29

 the lower animals, vegetation, the atmosphere, sun- light, water and earth, can only be determined by the study of the things which are," and by searching out the secrets of Nature by every means which human ingenuity can devise.

The great causes of strife and uncharitableness have been found in questions which are insusceptible of proof. So soon as proof is furnished by an appeal to experiment all excuse for quarrelling is gone. Who now thinks of vituperating his neigh- bour because of his views as to the movement of the earth or its probable age?

Our study of the things which are makes for good morals. In relation to the purity of air and water the one thing essential is that we love our neighbour as ourself, and that we do unto others as we would they should do unto us. Until the individual reaches this stage of civilisation there can be no permanent advance.

I may, perhaps, here be permitted to state my belief that our relationship to the earth is definite and inexorable, and that until this is recognised by the individual and the individual is encouraged to act as his moral senso directs we shall be in danger of unnecessary overcrowding, sterile soil, polluted rivers, putrid estuarics, and poisonous molluses.

It is our neglect of duty in this respect which (among other things) is bringing ruin to many of our endowed charities and seats of learning, which, while they derive a diminished income from their