Page:The advancement of science by experimental research - the Harveian oration, delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, June 27th, 1883 (IA b24869958).pdf/10

 task, and have rendered it almost impossible to find new subject matter to place before you. I must ask your indulgence, whilst I seek to fulfil the object of Harvey in establishing this Annual Oration, namely, to commemorate those who have shewn themselves benefactors to the College, and to exhort the members to search out and study the secrets of nature by way of experiment.

Harvey was a lover of scientific truth, and he sought to advance science by observation and by direct experiment. Like others who had preceded, and still more those who have followed in the same pursuit, the mind not only became absorbed but enraptured in the work, and as any fragment of truth was unfolded, the desire to discover more became intensified. The eye was not satisfied by seeing, the intellectual thirst could not be quenched nor the hunger assuaged; and such is always the character of true scientific research. There is a dignity in science, and the mind that seeks to find out its mysteries is ennobled in the search;