Page:The advancement of science by experimental research - the Harveian oration, delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, June 27th, 1883 (IA b24869958).pdf/15

11 in a time of persecution; although he was regarded by some as an enemy to Christianity, I cannot conceive of a pagan giving utterance to the senti- ments which Galen wrote, and he was evidently acquainted with the writings of the Old Testament. Galen, though the friend of the Emperors, Hadrian and Marcus Antoninus held views which were inconsistent with pagan worship; he says, that "true piety is not shewn in the sacrifice of hecatombs of bulls or in causing clouds of fragrant in- cense, but in studying myself to know, and in making known to others the wisdom, the power, and the goodness of the Creator."* It would be well if many

body he seems to be struck with its beauty, and says, "Ego Conditoris nostri verum hymnum com- pono; existimoque, in hoe veram esse pietatem, non si taurorum hecatombas ei plurimas sacrificaverim, et casias aliaque sexcenta odoramenta ac unguenta suffumigaverim; sed si noverim ipse prinus, deinde et aliis exposuerim quænam sit ipsius sapientia, quæ virtus, quæ bonitas." Galen de usû partium Lib III.
 * In writing on the use of parts in the animal