178 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
nied, notwithstanding quackery and charlatanism have en- 
deavoured to keep pace with, if not to outstrip, some few of 
the less scientific, and, I may add, ignorant men of the pro- 
fession, such as have foolishly lent their names to the cravings 
of an illiterate humbug, for the purpose of puffing his alleged 
f never-failing’ nostrum for the C cure of ringbone, spavin, 
curbs, splints, and all tumours and ossifications in the horse, 
— viz. f Major’s British Remedy ;’ and, at the same time, by 
becoming agents for its sale, have departed from the straight- 
forward path of science, ceased to be professional men, and 
placed themselves on the same level as chemists, stationers, 
saddlers, & c., they being advertised as expressly “appointed,” 
in Bell’s Life in London , Sunday Times , &c. 
If the late respected editor of Bell’s Life * had been per- 
mitted to remain with us a little longer, he, as a scientific 
man, would never have suffered the pages of his journal to 
have been polluted with such improbable and unfounded 
paragraphs* as have occasionallyappeared: he always en- 
deavoured to maintain the standing and position in society 
of the veterinary surgeon. But their appearance is easily 
accounted for as paid advertisements. 
c Audi alteram partem’ I know to be a favorite motto with 
you, and therefore I feel certain that you will always speak 
of a man as you find him. Your journal has ever been con- 
ducted on the principles of fair play and independence. I 
know perfectly well that Mr. Major applied to you to intro- 
duce him to the notice of the veterinary profession ; but for 
certain reasons, better known to himself, he declined the 
honour. Why? Because he knew that notes would be taken 
and printed in their proper form and shape. 
Science advances proportionably to the assistance of the 
sterling practical suggestions of experience. A client of 
mine, Mr. Charles Wise, of Eton, had a horse at his hunting 
stables, belonging to the Rev. C. Johnston, in 1852, who 
wished him to be healed with the Specific. He came to town, 
had an interview with Mr. Major, and related his case ; was 
assured the horse could be cured ; purchased a bottle of the 
c remedy 5 for 35s., and returned home. Had he consulted 
me, I should have told him, upon seeing the patient, that 
cure was impossible, for a much less fee. I saw the horse by 
appointment at Eton, on the 12th of December, on purpose 
to testify to the effects of the application. It was an aged 
bay gelding, who had been lame upwards of two years from 
spavins in both hocks, particularly the near. Mr. Alex. 
* Vincent Dowling, Esq. 
