Page:The Hunterian Oration, delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons on the 14th of February, 1834 (IA b31879792).pdf/20

16 template his museum, and see the extent and variety of its treasures, the beautiful dissection and display of each specimen in reference to its intended object; when we consider his multifarious researches into so many parts of physiology and pathology, and the numerous volumes of his manuscripts, as well as his printed works; when we take into the account his occupations as a teacher of anatomy and surgery, as an hospital surgeon, and in private practice, we shall see clearly, that whether or no we choose to designate him as a man of genius, he was pre-eminently a man of industry. He is said to have allowed himself only five hours rest in the day, four at night, and one after dinner. It is in the power of us all to emulate the unwearied exertions of our great master; to imitate him in the judicious employment of time, the stuff that life is made of. There is none, however humble in talent, who may not signalize himself by means of similar laborious exertion; who may not make some contribution to the stock of knowledge by dint of close observation and patient industry.

Conspicuous as MR. HUNTER was for active exertion, he was equally remarkable, if not more so, for his powers of reflection. The great artist who painted his portrait could not fail to seize this characteristic trait; and he has accordingly represented the philosophic interpreter of nature in the attitude of meditation. He said that he delighted