Page:The Harveian oration delivered at the Royal College of Physicians June 26, 1889 (IA b22361285).pdf/3

 an imperfect conception of the magnitude of the task, I undertook the delivery of the Harveian Oration; and, on becoming a more diligent student of the works of Harvey, the little confidence I had felt in my capability fairly deserted me, and my anxiety wellnigh amounted to despair.

I would crave your forgiveness for my temerity, and your indulgence for my treatment of a subject which, for its full illustration, demands not merely an acquaintance with its history, but the power of appreciating the high moral qualities by which the discoverer of the circulation supported himself under the many trials of an eventful life—trials resulting from the contact of greatness with the envy and littleness of mankind.