Rush^ on studying the diseases of Animals. Ixv 



mended the study of them in strong terms, in their late ad- 

 dress to the physicians and citizens of the United States ; 

 and it would be an act of injustice not to acknowledge, that 

 it was in consequence of the excellent remarks contained in 

 the part of the address to which I have alluded, being im- 

 pressed upon me with peculiar force by the enlightened and 

 pati-iotic president* of that society, that I was led to select 

 the interesting subject of our lecture for the present occasion. 



But in vain will be the efforts of public bodies, and pri- 

 vate individuals to disseminate veterinary knowledge in our 

 country without a provision for regular and oral instruction 

 upon it. 



From the public spirit of the trustees of our University, and 

 particularly from their disposition to promote every branch of 

 science connected with medicine, there is reason to believe, 

 that it is only necessary to lay before them the advantages of 

 a veterinary chair, in order to insure its establishment. 



Should the subject of the diseases of domestic animals, 

 be connected with instruction upon the principles of agricul- 

 ture, and implements of husbandry, so as to constitute what 

 is called in some European universities, " oeconomics," or a 

 system of rural ceconomy, it v/ould form a still more useful 

 branch of education, not only for physicians, but for private 

 gentlemen. I have lived to see the medical school of Phila- 

 delphia emerge from small beginnings, and gradually advance 

 to its present flourishing condition, but I am not yet satisfied 

 with its prosperity and fame, nor shall I be so, until I see the 

 veterinary science taught in our University. 



One of the patriots and heroes of the American revolution, 

 who died suddenly a few years ago, in his barn yard, said 

 with his last breath to his servant who stood by him, " take 

 care of the creatures." Nearly in the same words which dic- 

 tated this kind direction, I shall conclude this lecture. Take 



CARE OF THE HEALTH OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 

 'Richard Peters, Esq 



