Where most it promises."
All's Well that ends Well.
No man, perhaps, ever made a happier application of a Divine precept1 to the conduct of human pursuits than Lord Bacon, when he said that the kingdom of man founded in the sciences must be entered like the kingdom of God—that is, as a little child.
Independently of the sublimity2 of the comparison, it is no less remarkable3 for its practical excellence5.
How many broken friendships, enmities, and heart-burnings might have been prevented, had even a very moderate degree of the temper of mind here so beautifully typified been allowed to preside over human labour! How charitably should we have been led to judge of the works of others! how measured the approbation6 of the most successful of our own! No doubt, in the pursuit of truth, there is great difficulty in commanding that combination of fearlessness towards the world, and that reverential humility7 towards the subject, both of which are alike necessary; although the one may be more essential to the discovery of truth, the other the enunciation8 of it.
To pursue truth regardless of the multiform errors and conventionalisms, amidst which experience has generally shown almost all subjects to have been involved; unmindful of the rebukes9 and obloquy10 by which too often the best-conducted investigations11 are opposed and assailed12; and yet to let no angry passion stir, no conviction that we are right engender13 an improper14 idea of our own superiority, or a disregard for the claims of others; this overcoming of the world (we had almost said) is intensely difficult,182 for it is in fact overcoming ourselves. Yet we dare not say it is that of which human nature is incapable15, for there is nothing that the heart suggests as morally right which is really impossible to us; and instances have not been wanting of the combination of the deepest knowledge with the most profound humility.
On the other hand, it must be admitted that if there were anything especially calculated to bring down the cultivators of science and literature to the level of those who are regardless of the claims, or insensible to the attractions of either; we could hardly find a series of facts more fatally influential16 than are furnished by the disputes of men who have been employed in the cultivation17 of these elevating studies. Powerful intellects in teaching the comparative nothingness of man's knowledge seem to give great assistance in the acquisition of humility; but how few are the intellects of such power? The contemplation of nature, however, may, we conceive, infuse feelings of humility, which can rarely be attained18 by the efforts of intellect alone.
We have seen, in Lord Bacon, that the highest powers of intellect afforded for a while no security against the subtle, but one would have thought feeble, suggestions of a degrading cupidity19. We all know, in literature, how much the fruits of intellect depend on the dominant20 feeling under which they are reared and nourished. Even men like Pope and Addison, who had little in common but that which should elevate and adorn21 human nature, were so dragged down by the demon22 of controversy23, that, commencing with little more than the irritability24 of poets, they ceased only when they had forgotten even the language of gentlemen. In the controversy in question, Mr. Abernethy's position was a very difficult one, and one which shows how easily a man with the best intentions may find himself engaged in a discussion which he never contemplated25; be wounded on points on which he was most sensitive, and yet defend himself with dignity, and without compromise of any of those principles which should guide a gentleman and a Christian26.
Mr. Lawrence was appointed Professor of Comparative Anatomy27 in 1816; and we know that Mr. Abernethy hailed his appointment with considerable interest. He was regarded as a183 gentleman of some promise, and had already distinguished28 himself by a singularly nice, level style of composition, as well as by careful compilation29.
Nothing could seem more auspicious30 than such a prospect31. Mr. Abernethy was a man remarkable for the original view he took of most subjects; a vast experience, gathered from various sources by a mind combining vividly32 perceptive33 powers with great capacity for reflection, a conformation well adapted for opening out new paths, and extending the boundaries of science. Abernethy was now to be associated with a colleague who had already manifested no ordinary talent for the graceful34 and judicious35 exposition of what was already known.
Nothing could have seemed more promising36; nor was there anything in the opening of Mr. Lawrence's first lecture which seemed calculated to baulk these expectations. His exordium contained an appropriate recognition of Mr. Abernethy, which, as we should only mar4 it by extract, we give entire. Having referred to the circumstances which immediately preceded his appointment, Mr. Lawrence thus proceeds:
"To your feelings I must trust for an excuse, if any be thought necessary, for taking the earliest opportunity of giving utterance38 to the sentiments of respect and gratitude39 I entertain for the latter gentleman (Mr. Abernethy). You and the public know, and have long known, his acute mind, his peculiar40 talent for observation, his zeal41 for the advancement42 of surgery, and his successful exertions43 in improving the scientific knowledge and treatment of disease; his singular happiness in developing and teaching to others the original and philosophic44 views which he naturally takes of all subjects that come under his examination, and the success with which he communicates that enthusiasm in the cause of science and humanity which is so warmly felt by himself; the admirable skill with which he enlivens the dry details of elementary instruction are most gratefully acknowledged by his numerous pupils.
"All these sources of excellence have been repeatedly felt in this theatre. Having had the good fortune to be initiated45 in the profession by Mr. Abernethy, and to have lived for many184 years under his roof, I can assure you, with the greatest sincerity46, that however highly the public may estimate the surgeon and philosopher, I have reason to speak still more highly of the man and of the friend, of the invariable kindness which directed my early studies and pursuits, and the disinterested47 friendship which has assisted every step of my progress in life, the independent spirit and the liberal conduct which, while they dignify48 the profession, win our love, command our respect for genius and knowledge, converting these precious gifts into instruments of the most extensive public good38."
This graceful exordium, so appropriate to the mutual49 relations of Mr. Abernethy and Mr. Lawrence, deriving50, too, a peculiar interest from the circumstances under which it was delivered, had also the rare merit of an eulogium marked by a comprehensive fidelity51. There is nothing fulsome52 or overstrained. Mr. Abernethy's well-known excellences53 were touchingly54 adverted55 to as matters with which all were in common familiar, whilst the necessarily more special facts of his social virtues56 were judiciously57 brought out in just relief, and as an appropriate climax58, by one who appeared animated59 by a grateful and personal experience of them. It is distressing60 to think that anything should have followed otherwise than in harmony with that kindness and benevolence61 which, whilst it forms the most auspicious tone for the calm pursuits of philosophy, confers on them the purifying spirit of practical Christianity.
Mr. Lawrence's first lecture consisted mainly of an able and interesting exposé of the objects and advantages of Comparative Anatomy to the physiologist62, pathologist, medical man, and the theologian; together with numerous references to those authors to whom the science was most indebted. The second lecture was devoted63 to the consideration and the discussion of various views which had been entertained of the living principle, or by whatever name we may designate that force which is the immediate37 cause of the phenomena64 of Living Bodies.
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Amongst others, those entertained by Mr. Hunter and advocated by Mr. Abernethy were referred to; but in a tone which was not, perhaps, best suited to promote calm discussion, and which we may be allowed to say was unfortunate—a tone of ridicule65 and banter66, which was hardly suited either to the subject, the place, or the distinguished men to whom it related; to say the least of it, it was unnecessary. We do not quote these passages, because they are, we think, not necessary to the narrative67, and could, we think, now give no pleasure to any party39.
In Mr. Abernethy's next lecture at the College, he still advocated the rational nature of Mr. Hunter's views of Life; and, in a most interesting exposition of the Gallery of the Museum, opposed at every opportunity the views of certain French physiologists68 which Mr. Lawrence had adopted.
He did this, however, without naming Mr. Lawrence; and applied69 his remarks to the whole of those who had advocated the opinions that Life was the result of organization, as a "Band of modern sceptics."
Mr. Abernethy had, as he says, argued against a party, and studiously kept Mr. Lawrence, as an individual, out of view. He, however, argued roundly against the views advocated by him, and endeavoured to show that those of Mr. Hunter, besides being at least a philosophical70 explanation of the phenomena, had a good moral tendency; although he admitted that the belief that man was a mere71 machine did not alter established notions, and that there were many good sceptics, still he thought that the "belief of the distinct and independent nature of mind incited72 people to act rightly," &c.
In regard to the general influence of the state of France, he says, "Most people think and act with a party;" and that "in France, where the writings of the philosophers and wits had greatly tended to demoralize the people, he was not surprised that their anatomists and physiologists should represent the subject of their studies in a manner conformable to what is esteemed73 most philosophical and clever; but that in this country186 the mere opinions of some French anatomists with respect to the nature of life should be extracted from their general writings, translated, and extolled74, cannot but excite surprise and indignation in any one apprized of their pernicious tendency."
There is no doubt that there was at the time, in this country, a disposition75 in many people to disseminate76 very many opinions on various subjects different from those usually entertained; and we believe that this disposition was very greatly increased by the well-intentioned, no doubt, but in our view injudicious, means employed for the suppression of them.
We think it important to remember this; because, in estimating fairly any books or lectures, we must regard the spirit of the time in which they were delivered—what would be judicious or necessary at one period, being, of course, unnecessary or injudicious at another.
In relation to the opinions of the nature of life; that which Mr. Abernethy alleged77 that he intended to apply to a party, Mr. Lawrence alleged that he held as personally applying to himself. Accordingly, the following course of Mr. Lawrence's lectures commenced with "A Reply to the 'Charges' of Mr. Abernethy." This lecture, which it is impossible for any man, mindful of all the circumstances, to peruse78 without pain (especially if we include the notes), is couched in language of the most vituperative79 and contemptuous character: sarcasm80, ridicule, imputation81 of corrupt82 motives83, by turn, are the weapons wielded84 with the appearance of the most unrelenting virulence85.
Those of the audience who had heard the graceful exordium, which we have quoted, to the first course of lectures, and which so appropriately represented a just tribute to a great master and kind friend, from a distinguished and favoured pupil, were now to listen to a discourse86 which was so charged with various shades and descriptions of ridicule and invective87, as scarcely to be paralleled in the whole history of literary or scientific controversy. We have recently again perused88 the respective Lectures, and we are utterly89 at a loss to understand how the most sensitive mind could have found anything in Mr. Abernethy's Lectures to call for such a "Reply." As it appears to us, its very virulence was calculated187 to weaken its force, and to enlist90 the sympathies of people on the opposite side. We again forbear quotation91. All we have to do is to show that circumstances of very unusual provocation92, such as no man living could help feeling most deeply, and which bore on one who was acutely sensitive, never materially disturbed the native benevolence of Abernethy's disposition.
The dispute, however, soon merged93 into matters which the public regarded as more important. Mr. Lawrence, in the lectures which followed, took occasion to make some remarks on the Scriptures94, which gave great offence, and led other writers to engage in a controversy which now assumed more of a theological than a physiological95 character. This, however, rather belongs to the writings and opinions of Mr. Lawrence, than to the life of Abernethy. We will therefore at once offer the very few observations which we alone think it necessary to make, either in justice to Mr. Abernethy or the profession.
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1
precept
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| n.戒律；格言 | |
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sublimity
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| 崇高，庄严，气质高尚 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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mar
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| vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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8
enunciation
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| n.清晰的发音；表明，宣言；口齿 | |
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rebukes
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的第三人称单数 ) | |
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obloquy
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| n.斥责，大骂 | |
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investigations
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| （正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究 | |
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assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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engender
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| v.产生，引起 | |
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improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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influential
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| adj.有影响的，有权势的 | |
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cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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dominant
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| adj.支配的，统治的；占优势的；显性的；n.主因，要素，主要的人(或物)；显性基因 | |
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adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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demon
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| n.魔鬼，恶魔 | |
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controversy
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| n.争论，辩论，争吵 | |
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irritability
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| n.易怒 | |
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contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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anatomy
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| n.解剖学，解剖；功能，结构，组织 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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compilation
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| n.编译，编辑 | |
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auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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perceptive
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| adj.知觉的，有洞察力的，感知的 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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philosophic
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| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
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initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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dignify
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| vt.使有尊严；使崇高；给增光 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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deriving
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| v.得到( derive的现在分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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51
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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fulsome
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| adj.可恶的，虚伪的，过分恭维的 | |
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excellences
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| n.卓越( excellence的名词复数 )；（只用于所修饰的名词后）杰出的；卓越的；出类拔萃的 | |
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touchingly
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| adv.令人同情地，感人地，动人地 | |
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adverted
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| 引起注意（advert的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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judiciously
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| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
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climax
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| n.顶点；高潮；v.(使)达到顶点 | |
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animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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physiologist
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| n.生理学家 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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phenomena
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| n.现象 | |
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ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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banter
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| n.嘲弄，戏谑；v.取笑，逗弄，开玩笑 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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physiologists
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| n.生理学者( physiologist的名词复数 )；生理学( physiology的名词复数 )；生理机能 | |
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applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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incited
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| 刺激，激励，煽动( incite的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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extolled
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| v.赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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disseminate
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| v.散布；传播 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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peruse
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| v.细读，精读 | |
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vituperative
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| adj.谩骂的；斥责的 | |
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sarcasm
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| n.讥讽，讽刺，嘲弄，反话 （adj.sarcastic） | |
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imputation
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| n.归罪，责难 | |
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corrupt
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| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
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motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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wielded
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的过去式和过去分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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virulence
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| n.毒力，毒性；病毒性；致病力 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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invective
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| n.痛骂，恶意抨击 | |
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88
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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89
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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90
enlist
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| vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍 | |
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91
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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92
provocation
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| n.激怒，刺激，挑拨，挑衅的事物，激怒的原因 | |
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93
merged
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| （使）混合( merge的过去式和过去分词 )； 相融； 融入； 渐渐消失在某物中 | |
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94
scriptures
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| 经文，圣典( scripture的名词复数 )； 经典 | |
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95
physiological
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| adj.生理学的，生理学上的 | |
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