others. Thus we have no right to restrict the domain of science, and, for the sake of saving some unfortunate being a few passing sufferings, to smother in its cradle all the hope of the future.
The science of life—that is, physiology—can not progress without vivisection. To interdict this practice would be to slay that study. The anatomical examination of the organs teaches us nothing, or hardly anything, respecting their functions. How could we understand the circulation of the blood, if our only resource was the anatomical study of the heart, arteries, and veins? What idea would a description of the brain give of the functions of the brain? We might see the strange forms and complicated structure of the cerebral apparatus; but the examination of these forms would be of no help toward gaining an acquaintance with their offices. The work of physiology is founded entirely on experiment, and the required experiments can be made only upon living beings. Sometimes these beings are plants, but this is only a part of physiology. Animal physiology requires animals. The observation of dead bodies is not useful in teaching the laws of life. Suppose a skillful artisan, to whom we give a watch to examine. In vain will he look through his lens at the springs, the wheels, the cogs, the jewels, and the whole machinery, so long as the watch is not wound up; for he can not find out from this whether it will go or how it goes. To learn the movement of a watch, it must be seen in motion. The same rule is in force for the physiologist. A dead organ tells him nothing; he must see it living.
There are, then, but two alternatives—either to stop physiology in its progressive course, to shut our books, and give up the study of the vital functions, or to continue the practice of experimental researches and vivisections, as Galen, Harvey, Haller, Magendie, and Claude Bernard did. If we think physiology is not a science, or imagine it is useless to man, all right. Let us be contented to observe the stars, and resign ourselves to ignorance of the conditions of our existence. But if we want to sound the mysteries of life, to penetrate to the causes and mechanism of the forces that rule us, then we should continue our efforts without allowing ourselves to be discouraged by unjust attacks. We may be sure of an abundant harvest; and every day, at the price of a few rabbits, frogs, or dogs, will give us some important discovery. Thus, even if physiology (with which we include vivisection, for they are one) does not immediately give practical contributions to the relief of the human race, it is nevertheless a good thing, for the immediate result of a discovery is often nothing, while the discovery may perhaps bring about wonderful consequences in the future.
The favorite argument of the enemies of vivisection is, that physiology is of no use in medicine. "Never," they say, "has a vivisection or a physiological discovery gained by experiment been of any aid to therapeutics. Chance, not physiology, has made us acquainted
