WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 995 
of the student upon the living animal. This most desirable test 
has been now fully settled upon. Thanks especially to the Prin- 
cipal of Glasgow College, and the Principal of the Edinburgh 
College, the Council, though not legally empowered to enforce their 
own views, have also been engaged in the discussion of the prelimi- 
nary examination of the student, which has now become estab- 
lished. I look upon these two measures as two of the greatest 
and most important measures adopted by the Council since the 
charter was granted. If rightly carried out they will prove a 
blessing not only to the profession but also to society at 
large. 
Mr. Robinson , in proposing success to the Veterinary Associa- 
tions of the United Kingdom, said that it was perhaps the most 
important toast of all, for he did not know if any associations had 
done more good. He said that ten years ago the West of Scot- 
land Veterinary Medical Association was the nucleus of all the 
veterinary associations in the kingdom, and he thought that pre- 
cedence was given to it unasked by all other veterinary associa- 
tions. It was pleasing to see that the offsprings of the parent 
society were healthy and in good working order. In 1842 an 
attempt was made by their brother, Mr. Alexander Lawson, of 
Bolton, then of Glasgow, to form a veterinary medical' association 
for the West of Scotland. Mr. Lawson had a large meeting to 
begin with, but ultimately the concern died a natural death. The 
attempt was also made in London, but it was likewise fruitless ; and 
it was not until Mr. Anderson spoke of the utility and benefit 
of such an association, and stated at the same time that if they had 
only one meeting he was not afraid but that the enterprise would 
be successful. That success did, indeed, crown their efforts. He 
(Mr. Robinson) was happy to say that the association had now 
reached maturity, was undivided and in good working order, 
and had done much to advance the profession generally. He 
himself had benefited much from the meetings of the associa- 
tion. The social intercourse had been of the most agreeable kind, 
and a knowledge of the profession had been spread. No man of 
honour had failed to report unsuccessful cases. Indeed, it was 
the consideration of such cases which did much good. He coupled 
the toast with the name of Mr. Greaves, of Manchester ; a warmer 
friend of veterinary science did not exist. (Applause.) He had 
neither grudged time nor money to be present and assist in the 
inauguration of all the veterinary associations in the kingdom. 
Mr. Robinson then advised all young members of the veterinary 
profession who had graduated at any school to make it the very 
first thing they did, for the benefit of themselves and their clients, 
to join the nearest veterinary association in the locality in which 
they might be placed. At the meetings they would get the advan- 
tage of the experience of the older members, who gave it without 
fee. If anything annoyed or puzzled them, they had only to ad- 
dress themselves to their seniors. Mr. Robinson concluded by 
expressing the hope that Mr. Greaves might long live to assist 
