RESEARCH DEFENCE SOCIETY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTAT0R."]
BIa,-=Many of your readers, I think, will be glad to know that this Society has taken premises at 171, Piccadilly (opposite Burlington House), and has opened- a bureau and exhibition, so that ''the man in the street" may learn the facts as to experiments on animals in this country, and the regulations under which they are conducted; may learn, also, their immense importance to the welfare of mankind. In our windown we have arranged pictures, charts, photographs, lantern-slides, anaesthetics and inhalers, germs in test-tubes,
• specimens of tsetse flies and fever-bearing mosquitoes, pottraits, books, pamphlets, leaflets. Above this display of the medical sciences we have hung an engraving of Fildes's "The Doctor," given to us by the artist himself. Inside, a young lady is in charge, who receives signatures and con- tributions, enlists new members and associates, provides literature, and answers inquiries. Outside, leaflets are dis- tributed. This, at any rate, may be said of us, that our little exhibition is unique. It quietly attracts the attention of passers-by; every day and all day long they stand looking, puzzling out things for themselves, mastering the fact that the doctor's practical work is inseparable from the knowledge gained through experimental physiology and pathology. We had to face the risk of seeming to cheapen science. It is a hazardous business to bid her come down from yonder mountain heights, exchanging contemplation for street- preaching. We may have offended some of our well-wishers. Only we feel sure that "the man in the street" wants, and ought to have, and is very glad to have, information as to experiments on animals in this country, and their profound inflatence in the prevention and treatment of human and diaeases.—I am, Sir, &c., STEPHEN PAGET,
Hon. Secretary, Research Defence Society.
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