180 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
duct towards him by the Professors of the Royal Veterinary 
College. The powers that be at that highly-respected insti- 
tution deserve the warmest meed of praise, in my opinion, 
for refusing to use an empirical remedy. No man in his 
senses would use another’s therapeutic agent unless he were 
aware of its composition. Theblackoil of the ancients is easily 
made ; and what is the Remedy but a composition of sulphuric 
acid, rectified spirits of turpentine, and some oil or fatty 
matter. The acid is the active ingredient, and its effects are 
either caustic, erodent, or stimulant, in proportion to the 
strength of its application. I must in candour admit, that 
Mr. Major acknowledges one thing in his pamphlet, and that 
is, that the nature of the diseases he professes to practise 
upon, and the mode of treatment, are taken from the c Horse, 5 
by our late talented editor, William Youatt: a perusal of 
which book will furnish the reader with the “ specific 55 which 
has obtained her Majesty’s royal letters patent, and drawn her 
pictures out of the pockets of many of her liege discontented 
subjects. 
Professor Morton, in his introductory address in 1851 
(page 651, vol. xxiv of f The Veterinarian, 5 ) says, “The 
days have passed when the right eyes of hedgehogs fried in 
oil, and roasted toads, were extolled as specifics, 55 &c. &c. 
Neither should the knife of the surgeon nor the cautery be with- 
held w hen there is necessity for it. The uncertainty of cures 
gives the hardy and ignorant empiric frequent opportunities 
of exulting over science. Ignorance is rash and fearless; 
knowledge cautious and circumspect. The first often boasts 
a random cure ; the other is restrained through fear of doing 
harm, where there is even a prospect of success. At the 
same time, by this caution, and a proper view of the bounds 
of the art, the rational man enjoys much secret satisfaction, 
and frequently in his turn has ample cause to triumph over 
suspicion. 
H. Daws. 
41, Duke Street, Manchester Square; 
Feb. 20, 1853. 
