English Physiology

Abstract

THE present state of physiology in this country ought to be a matter of regret. Though foremost in many things, Britain is far behind Continental countries in the field of physiological science. We can boast of a few distinguished physiologists, as John Hunter, Sir Charles Bell, and Dr. John Reid; and famous microscopists, as Carpenter and Beale; but a very small number of English names can be cited compared with the host of Continental physiologists, past and present, as Magendie, Müller, Von Beyold, Von Baer, Béclard, Bernard, Brown-Sequard, Du Bois Reymond, Helmholtz, &c. This discrepancy arises not from want of talent, but from lack of opportunity. The mental qualities required by a physiologist, as observation and memory, are developed separately at different periods of life. Hence there are only a limited number of years during which any such branch of learning can be cultivated with fresh ardour, and during which the power termed originality can be brought into play. The Continental schools make use of these precious years by affording those who are naturally inclined to cultivate any one branch of science, full scope for repeating the observations of their predecessors, and for endeavouring to add to the existing stock of knowledge. By having various laboratories and certain paid appointments connected with their universities, they allow young men to devote their whole time and energy to the study of individual subjects, as physiology. Those who set themselves to work of this kind do not look forward to the practice of the medical profession, but purpose to live and work as physiologists. These young men are known by their labours to be specialists, and are proposed by the senatus with which they are connected for a vacant professorship when it occurs. This is the only method of securing original and extensive work in any one scientific branch, as Physiology. It would be well, therefore, if the approaching Royal Commission of Inquiry into the State of Science in this country would not overlook Physiology, but would make some arrangements whereby Great Britain might no longer be stigmatised by her Continental neighbours as “having no Physiologist.”