Page:The Hunterian Oration, delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons ... February 14, 1817 (IA b22009358).pdf/7

 TO MRS. HUNTER.

Madam,

Waarever tends to excite inquiry into the works of Nature, must equally serve to advance human knowledge and the good of mankind.

Strongly impressed with this truth, the late Mr. Munrer prosecuted with an ardour and success, hitherto unknown, his inquiries into the structure, the modes of living, the state of perfect health, and the various deviations from it throughout the animal creation ; and thence deduced those inferences by which Surgical Science has, ina great degree, acquired its present eminence and preciston.

The gratitude of the living can never be better bestowed than ky holding up to imitation the examples of the illustrious Dead, to whose talents and labours future generations will be indebted.

This purpose is intended to be answered by the institution of the Hunrertay Oration,—and I trust that the sincerity of the sentiments expressed in the following Address, will be accepted by you as an apology for its defects.

I have the honour to be, With the greatest respect, Madam, Your most obedient servant, WILLIAM NORRIS.

Oid Jewry, 2 May, 1817. �