Page:The Harveian oration 1905.djvu/66

 Another promising feature is that recently there has been some indication that a few wealthy people, who are guided by rational common sense, and are well-disposed towards the medical profession, are beginning to wake up to their duties, and to realise their responsibilities in the promotion of research, by making more or less considerable contributions out of their superabundance towards particular institutions or for particular purposes. In this respect, however, London is far behind the provinces; and when we compare our country with America, we may well hang our heads with shame! The United States has always been peculiarly fortunate in the public spirit of its millionaires, who have lavished vast endowments upon education and research.

Finally, I venture to call respectful attention, as a special encouragement to scientific medical research, to the fact that their Most Gracious Majesties King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra, as well as other members of the Royal Family, are now taking such a warm and practical interest in this kind of work, and more particularly in its results in certain special directions bearing profoundly on the well-being of humanity.

I have endeavoured in the preceding summary to give due prominence to the activity and encouraging