82 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



The professorship made vacant by the death of the father of 

 this science, St. Bel, was conferred on Mr. Coleman, who had 

 previously devoted himself to physiological research ; he, too, 

 soon distinguished himself, and the college again assumed its 

 former flourishing condition. A medical committee was now 

 appointed, consisting of some of the most eminent practitioners 

 that the country could boast of, by whom the pupils were exam- 

 ined, and when found to have acquired sufficient knowledge of the 

 art, certificates were granted accordingly. We are informed that 

 this medical examining committee were lecturers of human medi- 

 cine, and with a liberality that reflected great credit on them, 

 permitted the veterinary pupils to attend their lectures on human 

 anatomy free of charge. Thus did a band of really great and 

 good men unite their efforts and interests, for the study of the 

 science of life in all its diversity and forms. By this wise asso- 

 ciation of the sister sciences, its advocates aimed a death blow at 

 the ignorance, quackery, and superstition of the times, and they 

 were successful to some extent; for a new order of practitioners 

 took the field ; they soon demolished the old landmarks set up by 

 the ignorant farriers, and erected in their stead beacons of light : 

 thus spread the illuminating rays of science broadcast, and the 

 public, as well as their domestic animals, were benefited thereby. 



Professor Coleman had now succeeded m securing the patron- 

 age of government — the strings of the public purse were loos- 

 ened, and the parliament voted a sum of money, to be paid 

 annually, for the support of the college. It is related also, that 

 the reigning monarch, George the Third, granted the rank of 

 commissioned officers to such veterinary graduates as were 

 intended as surgeons to the cavalry regiments. 



The Honorable East India Company, observing the good 

 effects produced by such appointments, was likewise induced to 

 follow the example of their monarch in appointing veterinary 

 surgeons to serve in their armies in India. Other nations have 

 thus followed the example set them by France and England, so 

 that regular veterinary surgeons may be found in all the four 

 quarters of the globe. 



In England, at the present day, veterinary students rapidly 

 increase ; never were they so numerous ; recruits arrive from 



