Page:The Harveian oration 1905.djvu/68

 within reasonable limits, and can be fairly grasped and utilised by persons of average intelligence, so far as their practical application is concerned.

As having an important bearing upon the aspect of research with which I am now dealing, more particularly in relation to scientific medicine, the personal factor deserves more attention and consideration than it often receives. In the first place any individual who proposes to engage in this work is conscientiously bound to regard it as a serious and responsible business, not to be entered upon lightly or in an "amateurish" way, but as a calling of the highest importance. To look upon research as a mere amusing or even an interesting occupation, to be engaged in for the "fun of the thing," or to "pass the time" agreeably, cannot be too strongly deprecated. Then comes the question of personal fitness. That there are inherent differences in this respect is obvious enough. Some individuals are "born investigators," while others are by nature absolutely disqualified for the work. As a teacher of long experience, and brought into intimate contact with medical students, I have met with many illustrations of this fact. I have known some who would have been hopeless failures in the active practice of their profession, but have shown a conspicuous aptitude for original scientific work, and circumstances having given them a favourable opening, they have made excellent use of their opportunities, and have not