The Pros and Cons of Vivisection

The author, a practicing physiologist, surveys ethical and scientific arguments surrounding experiments on living animals and argues for their use under strict regulation. He outlines how anaesthesia and antiseptic technique reduce suffering and preserve experimental validity, and explains circumstances in which anaesthesia may be omitted for methodological reasons. He challenges sensational allegations of cruelty by referring to legal oversight, investigations, and professional responsibility. He distinguishes physiological, pharmacological, and pathological approaches and stresses that humane conduct and rigorous methods are essential to yield medical and veterinary knowledge.