2 PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. 



as to prove a vade mecum to as many non-medical as medical 

 readers ; and for whom a rigorous application of nosology 

 would, therefore, be too technical. It may hereafter assume 

 a still more systematic dress : at present, festinatio tarda est 

 will probably apply ; and until circumstances allow or call 

 for it, attempting too much might be found to be a preventive 

 to the attaining of a little even. As regards the work gene- 

 rally, if my exertions should tend to alleviate the sufferings 

 of an animal whose utility and good qualities can nelver be 

 too highly estimated, 1 shall have accomplished an object 

 always dear to my heart: and here, probably, my address 

 ought to terminate ; but during the course of a long life, the 

 circumstances of having been so repeatedly changing from 

 one to the other of the seeming discordant pursuits of human 

 and brute surgery ; of army life, both military and medical ; 

 and of private life, as the country sportsman or the closeted 

 author ; have, I am aware, excited the curiosity of many, 

 and subjected me to the tax of great inconsistency of conduct, 

 and vacillation of purpose from others. Wishing, in common 

 with the rest of mankind, to stand well with the world, and 

 knowing that, however I may not be able entirely to rid 

 myself from these imputations, I may yet, by detailing the 

 principal circumstances which led to these constantly varying 

 pursuits, shew that they were less sought by ihoxi forced on 

 me ; and that by such apologetical statement I may at once 

 blunt censure and satisfy curiosity ; with which intentions 

 only I am induced further to intrude by the following state- 

 ment. 



