Page:The Harveian oration delivered at the Royal College of Physicians June 26, 1889 (IA b22361285).pdf/4

 Endowed with a powerful intellect, William Harvey approached the study of nature with all the fervour and curiosity of an ardent lover of truth. Self-reliant, and indulging a laudable scepticism, he fearlessly questioned where others dared not even doubt.

With the rare gift of discerning truth far below the horizon limiting the intellectual vision of the many, he combined the industry necessary to develope his views and enforce them upon the attention of the profession.

Notwithstanding these advantages, we find it was with him as with nearly all discoverers, for ridicule and persecution did much to embitter the existence of this benefactor to the human race.

Worthy of the high mission confided to him, his onward course was doubtless assisted by the mental exaltation ever attendant upon discovery, and, while we deplore the wounds inflicted by jealousy and malice, we may yet rejoice in the belief that many stirring sensations of delight must have acted as a healing balm upon his noble heart.

Harvey had, indeed, his full share of troublesome opposition; but we must not forget that other