o its lowest possible terms; that experiments once
satisfactorily made should not be indefinitely repeated; and that
vivisection should not be left in the hands of every tyro acquiring
the rudiments of knowledge. These claims are almost as much a demand
of accuracy in knowledge as of humanity in temper. The pain involved
in vivisection often creates such an abnormal state as to weaken or
invalidate the conclusions drawn in connection with it. The careless
student may easily confirm, as he thinks by observation, opinions not
well grounded.

Vivisection has been objected to not theoretically or sentimentally
simply, but on account of the monstrous abuses that have been
associated with it. In Europe men of distinguishing ability have
seemed to revel in this form of inquiry and to have prosecuted it
without the slightest reference to the cruel and revolting features
associated with it. They have made of it a school of Nero in which
brutality became a passion of the mind.

One of the most deadly sins of men has been cruelty, cruelty to
animals, to children, to women, to men. The basest of these forms is
in some respects cruelty to animals, since animals are so thoroughly
committed into our hands. It is not easy to devise a more hardening
process than careless vivisection; and the claim that it is done in
the name of knowledge is, unless it is profoundly and deeply true, an
aggravation of the offence. Inhumanity is the worst possible temper
for the medical profession to entertain, and the worst possible
suspicion to attach to them. If the physicians cannot approach all
suffering with an intense desire to relieve it, he is not true to his
calling. It is with more or less fear that the defenceless human
subject is committed to them lest they should make of him an
experiment.

JOHN BASCOM.

Williamstown,
December 15, 1902.

APPENDIX V

Among American physicians, probably the most distinguished medical
writer of to-day is Dr. George M. Gould, author of several medical
works, and formerly editor of various medical journals. His
opposition to antivivisection ideals has always been pronounced; but
it has not prevented recognition of the abuses of the unlimited
practice of animal experimentation. Some extracts from an address
delivered by Dr. Gould before the American Academy of Medicine are
here presented. The reader s