OUR SOCIAL POSITION. 
917 
they may change(as Mr. Wilson says), will never undergo such 
a change as to lead me to believe in the application of a 
red-hot iron for swollen gums ! 
OUR SOCIAL POSITION. 
By James Fraser, M.R.C.Y.S., Ripon. 
For some time past veterinary science has been endea- 
vouring to make rather rapid strides, and very lately several 
articles have appeared in your Journal the writers of which 
are evidently most anxious to assist the onward progress of 
the profession. The advantages derivable from the charter, 
preliminary and practical examinations, system of teaching in 
our schools, and other important matters, have all been more 
or less freely discussed ; but there is one among many other 
kindred subjects which is yet untouched, and which would, 
to my thinking, tend to elevate us more in the estimate of a 
right-thinking public than any other. I mean the cultivation 
of a strictly moral conduct in all we say and do. I am 
reluctantly constrained to believe that inebriety, and even 
profanity abound in our ranks to a greater extent, ac- 
cording to our number, than in any other profession. This 
is rather plain speaking, but it is no less true. What a host 
of brethren one meets whose conduct makes him blush ; 
persons who seem to be entirely devoid of everything per- 
taining to a gentleman, and whose only object would appear 
to be immediate gain, at any cost of character. 
Under such circumstances is it a matter of surprise that 
we are so much looked down upon, or that the verdict, “ You 
are a rough set,” should be so freely bestowed upon us? Surely 
there is nothing in the nature of our profession which debars 
us from taking our stand as men of science and gentlemen. 
It may be asked whether it is becoming that we should 
appear “in colours” on country racecourses, acting the jockey 
for some speculating horse-trader ? Can we not make a re- 
spectable living without such degradation? I maintain that our 
conduct and general bearing should be of such a description as 
to admit the severest scrutiny without censure. Doubtless 
there are many amongst us with whom any person might feel 
it an honour to be acquainted ; but at the same time it must 
be admitted that there exists a large number who are a dis- 
grace to the profession of veterinary medicine, and just as a 
bad name, like “ a thorn in the side,” hindereth the runner in 
xliii. 60 
