To the Century Company of New York, in thepages of whose magazine, then known as "Scribner's Monthly," thefirst of the following essays originally appeared in July, 1880, thethanks of the writer are due for permission to re-publish in thepresent form. For a like courtesy on the part of the proprietors ofLippincott's Magazine, in which the secondpaper was first published [Aug., 1884], the writer desires to make dueacknowledgment.
The first of the Essays following appeared in "Scribner's Monthly," inJuly, 1880; and immediately became honored by the attention of theMedical Press throughout the country. The aggressive title of thepaper, justified, in great measure, perhaps, the vigor of thecriticism bestowed. Again and again the point was raised by reviewersthat the problem presented by the title, was not solved or answered bythe article itself.
At this day, it perhaps may be mentioned that the question—"DoesVivisection Pay?" was never raised by the writer, who selected as histitle the single word "Vivisection." The more taking headline wasaffixed by the editor of the magazine as more apt to arrest attentionand arouse professional pugnacity. That in this latter respect it waseminently successful, the author had the best reason to remember. Withthis explanation—which is made simply to prevent future criticismon the same point—the old title is retained. If the present reader[Pg 8]continues the inquiry here presented, he will learn wherein the writerbelieves in the utility of vivisection, and on the other hand, in whatrespects and under what conditions he very seriously questions whetherany gains can possibly compensate the infinitely great cost.
"What do you hope for or expect as the result of agitation in regardto vivisection?" recently inquired a friend; "its legal abolition?"
"Certainly not," was the reply.
"Would you then expect its restriction during the present century?"
"Hardly even so soon as that. It will take longer than a dozen yearsto awaken recognition of any evil which touches neither the purse norpersonal comfort of an American citizen. All that can be hoped in theimmediate future is education. Action will perhaps follow when itsnecessity is recognized generally; but not before."
For myself, I believe no permanent or effective reform of present practicesis probable until the Medical Profession generally concede as dangerous andunnecessary that freedom of unlimited experimentation in pain, which is claimedand practiced to-day. That legislative reform is otherwise unattainable, onewould hesitate to affirm; but it assuredly would be vastly less effective.You must convince men of the justice and reasonableness of a[Pg 9]law before you can secure a willing obedience. Yielding to none inloyalty to the science, and enthusiasm for the Art of Healing, whatstandpoint may be taken by those of the Medical Profession who desireto reform evils which confessedly exist?
I. We need not seek the total abolition of all experiments upon livinganimals. I do not f