Page:The Hunterian oration, for the year 1819.djvu/59

 proposition, they would be unsuitable to the gravity proper to be maintained on this occasion. I have heard some express their wonder that very sensible men have sometimes condescended to appear foolish; yet it ought not to excite surprise, for it only shows the activity of their minds which occasionally relieve themselves from the uniformity of thoughtful exertion by sportive and irregular actions. They find it “dulce desipere,” and have no fear, as others might have, to indulge themselves in this propensity. Thus strong and healthy people, after the labour of the day, derive recreation from the continued efforts of a lively dance, or some agile sport.

There is, however, one subject evincing Mr. Hunter’s possession of the kind of talents 1 am now alluding to, to which I may advert on the present occasion, because it is connected with our professional concerns. Yet here also I must restrict myself to one instance selected from a considerable number, and I doubt if it be the best for my purpose. Mr. Hunter’s sagacity led him