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 alleged 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 peruse without pain (especially if we include the notes), is couched in language of the most vituperative and contemptuous character: sarcasm, ridicule, imputation of corrupt motives, by turn, are the weapons wielded with the appearance of the most unrelenting virulence.
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 discourse which was so charged with various shades and descriptions of ridicule and invective, as scarcely to be paralleled in the whole history of literary or scientific controversy. We have recently again perused the respective Lectures, and we are utterly 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 calculated to weaken its force, and to enlist the sympathies of people on the opposite side. We again forbear quotation. All we have to do is to show that circumstances of very unusual provocation, 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 merged into matters which the public regarded as more important. Mr. Lawrence, in the lectures which followed, took occasion to make some remarks on the Scriptures, which gave great offence, and led other writers to engage in a controversy which now assumed more of a theological than a physiological 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.
[38] March, 1816. Introductory Lecture to Comparative Anatomy. Published, July.
[39] Introduction to Comp. Anat. by W. Lawrence, F.R.S. London, 1816.
CHAPTER XX.
"Love all, trust a few,