Page:The Hunterian Oration, delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons ... February 14, 1817 (IA b22009358).pdf/23

15 As in every department of science there is a natural relationship with every other, the whole circle will be promoted by whatever tends to the encouragement and protection of free discussion and communication amongst men. As early as the 13th century there arose some men of genius who dared to think, and, although at great peril to themselves, to speak and to write freely; and some of the scattered remains of the works of ancient authors began to reappear, to the great benefit of the few that could understand them, from those hidden recesses that had preserved them from the hands of the spoilers. One of the most extraordinary men of that, or indeed of any age, was Roger Bacon, whose various learning and comprehensive mind, have equally been the subject of �