604< CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
stroy by their authority, when the object to be gained is the pre- 
servation of such a precious thing as the horse. 
“ As to the material of which this shoe is to be made, it should 
properly be half steel, half iron. Steel alone (although it may be 
used) is too brittle, whilst common iron is too soft for durability, the 
portion of metal necessary for the shoe being so very slight. Pro- 
fessor Ferguson, of Dublin, has had a composition bar of steel and 
iron so constructed that whilst all the toughness of the iron is re- 
tained, and fracture thereby obviated, the steel edge enables it to 
resist the friction of the road for five or six weeks, as long a time as 
it is desirable to leave the same shoe on. Finally, as to the objects 
to be gained : corns, contractions, narrow heels, and bruises of the 
sole, are prevented by the Charlier shoe, whilst brushing, speedy 
cut, and over-reach are got rid of, the weight of metal appended to 
the horse’s foot being so slight as not to interfere with his natural 
action ; whilst the shape and functions of the foot are left entirely 
as nature made them.” 
The principles of the system were thoroughly discussed, and the 
Fellows concurred in the belief that they are based generally upon a 
sound and perfect acquaintance with the natural conditions of the 
foot. 
The debate, which was somewhat prolonged, was concluded by a 
cordial vote of thanks to M. Charlier, jun., for his attendance and 
exhibition of numerous models after nature, as well as morbid spe- 
cimens, which powerfully illustrate his system. 
During the proceedings the ballot was taken, resulting in the 
election of Mr. James Moore, sen., and Mr. Alfred Withers, as 
Fellows of the Society. 
Mr. F. Jarvis put into the hands of the President a large and 
tastefully made album, on the back of which there was a suitable 
inscription, explaining the object of the donation. 
The Society having agreed some time ago to collect the portraits 
of distinguished members of the profession, Mr. Jarvis became in- 
duced to make the principal movement by his valuable present, 
which the Society appreciate most highly — beyond the mere thanks 
offered to him on receipt of it. 
The proceedings were afterwards extended to an examination of 
several morbid specimens, and their description, brought by Mr. J. 
R. Cox, Mount Street, Berkeley Square. 
Three applications for Fellowship were read by the Secretary — 
viz. resident, Messrs. S. H. Withers, M.R.C.V.S., and G. Balls, 
M.R.C.V.S. ; non-resident, J. G. Dickinson, M.R.C.Y.S., Boston, 
Lincolnshire. 
At the next meeting, to be held August 3rd, the President will 
introduce some observations on the subject of “ Difficult Parturition 
in the Small Domesticated Animals.” 
