Page:The Harveian oration 1905.djvu/69

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THE HARVEIAN ORATION.
65

only added to our knowledge in a striking degree, but not a few have attained to eminent positions in various fields of science and research.

While fully sympathising with those who are attracted by research work, and are wishful to sacrifice themselves on the altar of science, but who in reality are entirely destitute of the necessary qualifications, it would only be kind to them, for the sake of themselves and others, to discourage their aspirations in this direction, and to try to make them understand that the active practice of their profession is their proper sphere. Of course, there are some who are able to do both, and striking instances are familiar to us of men who, while engaged in ordinary practice, have diligently pursued scientific investigations which have led to results of the utmost value, and in some instances to epoch-making discoveries. Of such men Edward Jenner in the past, and Koch in modern times, are conspicuous examples.

The question of "ways and means" has an important bearing in relation to the individual aspect of scientific research. There are some who, like Harvey, are in the fortunate position of having no anxiety on this score, and can follow their inclination in this direction without any necessity or desire for emolument or pecuniary reward. If this is associated with personal aptitude the result is highly satisfactory, and there are names familiar to us of those who, while wealthy and occupying