Autor: Stephen Coleridge

Stephen Coleridge (1854-1936) was an English author and humanitarian, chiefly remembered for his fervent activism against vivisection and for his literary contributions that critique and address the ethical treatment of animals within scientific research. Coleridge, the son of John Duke Coleridge, Lord Chief Justice of England, and a descendent of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was well-placed to influence Victorian and Edwardian society. In his pivotal work, „Great Testimony against scientific cruelty” (1918), Coleridge valiantly condemned the practices of vivisection and the broader implications of animal experimentation. This text not only reflects his keen sense of justice but also represents a significant cultural document in the history of animal rights. Coleridge”s literary style in this context blends emotive narrative with robust advocacy, positioning him as a forerunner in the field of ethical literature related to science and society. His works are characterized by their persuasive rhetoric and his ability to mobilize public opinion to effect change within the realm of scientific ethics. Beyond his literary endeavours, Coleridge”s legacy is also marked by his role as a co-founder of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and his tireless contributions to animal welfare. His substantial impact continues to influence contemporary dialogues on the ethical treatment of animals in scientific research and animal welfare movements.