Much of the defense for the use of laboratory animals has hinged on the
benefits (mainly health related) for us as a human species. I am not
convinced that we have the inalienable right to conduct this research on
other living beings simply to serve our own (for the most part)
self-interest. And yes, as a research chemist I am not opposed to the
scientific endeaver (heaven knows my field has had a less than stellar
record in terms of environmental concerns, etc. - thankfully, these
problems are becoming more clearly addressed) per se, but I have a
sneaking suspicion that our descendants (scientifically and otherwise, who
will no doubt benefit from current research), will likely consider some of
our methods and intentions to be somewhat inhumane.

Paul Duval