10 APRIL 1875, Page 17

SHAKESPEARE ON VIVISECTION.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.-] SIR,—The following lines from " Cymbeline" (act i., sc. 5) seem to me very appropriate to the present discussion, though in candour I am bound to say that the Queen is speaking of poisons, not of the scalpel :- " Queen: I will try the forces Of these thy compounds on such creatures as We count not worth the hanging—but none human— To try the vigour of them, and apply Allayments to their act ; and by them gather Their several virtues and effects.

" Cornelius: Your Highness

Shall from this practice but make hard your heart. Besides, the seeing these effects will be Both noisome and infectious."