Page:The Hunterian Oration 1832.djvu/22

18 that superior genius, intelligence, and perseverance, which afterwards characterized every thing that he attempted. How disadvantageous his ignorance of languages, and of correct composition, was to him, when he became a writer, and wished to give an account of his own researches and opinions, must strike every scholar, that has occasion to refer to his publications. Yet, as his ideas were always clear, his facts strong, his reasoning most ingenious, and his views original, no writings on medical science possess greater attractions. A fascinating spirit of philosophy, and a rigorous devotion to truth, pervade all that he said, or wrote.

Here, Mr. President, allow me to observe how essential the latter noble resolution is to every successful votary of science. In the exploration of her treasures, the labourer must be guided by what he actually finds, and not by any favourite notions, to which he may have had a premature attachment; for science, amongst her numerous beauties, has none of a finer quality, than her implicit obedience to