It is only a few
hard words that divide us, friend; for I am of an opinion that, with
use and freedom, we should come to understand one another, and mainly
settle down into the same judgments of mankind, and of the ways of
world. Quiet, Hector, quiet; what ruffles your temper, pup; is it not
used to the scent of human blood?"
The Doctor bestowed a gracious but commiserating smile on the
philosopher of nature, as he retrograded a step or two from the place
whither he had been impelled by his excess of spirit, in order to
reply with less expenditure of breath, and with a greater freedom of
air and attitude.
"A homo is certainly a homo," he said, stretching forth an arm in an
argumentative manner; "so far as the animal functions extend, there
are the connecting links of harmony, order, conformity, and design,
between the whole genus; but there the resemblance ends. Man may be
degraded to the very margin of the line which separates him from the
brute, by ignorance; or he may be elevated to a communion with the
great Master-spirit of all, by knowledge; nay, I know not, if time and
opportunity were given him, but he might become the master of all
learning, and consequently equal to the great moving principle.
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