Humanity Against Cruelty to Animals in Historical Literature, Timeline of Animal Rights History

Animal Rights History »» David Hartley

1749 | Observations on Man

The Intellectual Faculties of Brutes

And though I suppose, with Descartes, that all their motions are conducted with mere mechanism, yet I do not suppose them to be destitute of perception, but they have this in a manner analogous to that which takes place in us…I always suppose, that corresponding feelings, and affections of mind, attend upon them, just as in us. And the brute creatures prove thier near relation to us, not only by the general resemblance of the body, but by that of the mind also; inasmuch as many of them have most of the eminent passions in some imperfect degree, and as there is, perhaps, no passion belonging to human nature, which may not be found in some brute creatures to a considerable degree. (David Hartley, Observations on Man [1749], "The Intellectual Faculties of Brutes")

It ought always to be remembered in speaking on this subject, that brutes have more reason than they can shew, from their want of words, from our inattention, and from our ignorance of the import of those symbols, which they do use in giving intimations to one another, and to us. (David Hartley, Observations on Man [1749], "The Intellectual Faculties of Brutes")

We seem to be in the place of God to them, to be his vicegerents, and empowered to receive homage from them in his name. And we are obliged, by the same tenure, to be their guardians and benefactors. (David Hartley, Observations on Man [1749], "The Intellectual Faculties of Brutes")

To Deduce Practical Rules Concerning Diet

With respect to animal diet, let it be considered, that taking away the lives of animals, in order to convert them into food, does great violence to the principles of benevolence and compassion. This appears from the frequent hard-heartedness and cruelty found amongst those persons, whose occupations engage them in destroying animal life, as well as from the uneasiness which others feel in beholding the butchery of animals. It is most evident, in respect of the larger animals, and those with whom mankind have a familiar intercourse, such as oxen, sheep, domestic fowls, &c. so as to distinguish, love, and compassionate individuals. These creatures resemble us greatly in the make of the body in general, and in that of the particular organs of circulation, respiration, digestion, &c. also in the formation of their intellects, memories, and passions, and in the signs of distress, fear, pain, and death. They often likewise win our affections by the marks of peculiar sagacity, by their instincts, helplessness, innocence, nascent benevolence, &c. And if there be any glimmering of the hope of an hereafter for them, if they should prove to be our brethren and sisters in this higher sense, in immortality as well as mortality, in the permanent principle of our minds, as well as the frail dust of our bodies, if they should be partakers of the same redemption as well as of our fall, and be members of the same mystical body, this would have a particular tendency to increase our tenderness for them. (David Hartley, Observations on Man [1749], "To Deduce Practical Rules Concering Diet")

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1749 | David Hartley, Observations on Man, His Frame, His Duty, and His Expectations [First Editon: London, 1749], 4th ed. (London, 1801; Digitized by Google, 2007).

1883 | Howard Williams, "David Hartley" in The Ethics of Diet ([First Edition: London & Manchester, 1883; Online Edition Transcribed from the Expanded and Revised 2nd Edition: London & Manchester, 1896]: Animal Rights History, 2006).