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Directory of Mark Twain's maxims, quotations, and various opinions:

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VIVISECTION

I believe I am not interested to know whether Vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't. To know that the results are profitable to the race would not remove my hostility to it. The pains which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity towards it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further. It is so distinctly a matter of feeling with me, and is so strong and so deeply-rooted in my make and constitution, that I am sure I could not even see a vivisector vivisected with anything more than a sort of qualified satisfaction. I do not say I should not go and look on; I only mean that I should almost surely fail to get out of it the degree of contentment which it ought, of course, to be expected to furnish.
- Letter to London Anti-Vivisection Society, May 26, 1899

Color tinting by R. Kent Rasmussen (c) 2013

"Mark Twain" on Sport and Vivisection.
From The London Times
reprinted in The New York Times, March 18, 1900, p. 14

The following letter from "Mark Twain," in acknowledgment of his election as honorary member of the London Anti-Vivisection Society has been received by the Secretary:

Dear Sir:
I am glad of the honor, since I have no friendly feeling toward either "sport" or vivisection.
Sincerely yours,
S. L. Clemens


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