916 
MR. HILL’S REPLY TO MR. WILSON. 
artery being divided, I do not consider any argument in 
favour of the cautery ; on the contrary, I should think the 
accident the result of clumsiness, or ignorance on the part of 
the operator as to the position of the vessel. 
Furthermore, I am astonished to read Mr. Wilson’s remark 
that he is directly and decidedly opposed to unnecessary and 
cruel operations, when at the same time he is advocating a 
mode of operation which is (as I believe the majority of the 
profession will admit) both unnecessary and cruel in the high- 
est degree. 
With regard to tetanus following operations, I will not 
take up time and your valuable space in dwelling upon this 
point ; suffice it to say I have never yet seen the disease as a 
result of amputation of the tail ; and considering the vast 
number of horses that are thus operated upon, tetanus as a 
result is rare indeed. 
With respect to my remarks upon inch-deep firing, I do not 
consider it will tend in any way to strengthen them by adding 
thereto. I will only observe that I cannot imagine that such 
a destruction of tissue can possibly be attended with those 
good results which are as easily obtained in ordinary firing. 
I hope, however, that the opinions which I trust will fall from 
the pens of our most valued writers and practitioners will 
throw much light upon this all-important subject. 
In conclusion, Mr.Wilson defends himself on the plea of 
my being theoretical, simply because he was once upon a 
time in such a state himself ; however, I will let that pass, 
merely remarking that the practical knowledge of a student 
when he enters the College will never obtain for him his 
diploma, and that a combination of science and practice is 
necessary for our success in life. As a young member of the 
profession, I am certainly obliged to Mr. Wilson for his good 
intentions ; at the same time I shall scarcely feel disposed 
(neither do I think will other young members) to adopt a 
mode of operation which was in use, and, therefore, with 
perhaps some little excuse, a century ago. 
With regard to sitting hour after hour listening to lectures, 
scientific addresses connected with our Colleges, I am under 
the impression that if there is a fault, it is on the other side, 
viz. that there is not time enough during the present regula- 
tions to hear as much as we should do. Lectures, practical 
or theoretical, written or extempore, must afford to a willing 
listener some amount of interest, and give him new ideas, 
together with a knowledge upon subjects that otherwise he 
might not trouble himself about. 
Certainly my ideas, however much in the course of years 
