268 TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR MORTON. 
together, which the slightest consideration shows to be 
incompatible, hence mutual decomposition ensues, and the 
result, in no few instances, is the production of new com- 
pounds, which, if not baneful, are at least inert, and conse- 
quently useless. Surely, if medicines are of use in the 
treatment of disease, those who employ them should be 
acquainted with the laws of combination, otherwise the 
patient may sustain irremediable injury! So much then for 
the importance of Chemistry as applied to Materia Medica. 
There have been, nay, there are still some persons who 
denounce these studies ; and who say they are of no use to 
the Veterinary Surgeon. It would be idle to more than thus 
allude to such objectors. Allow me to remark, that we do 
not hear any one speak in these terms who is at all conversant 
with the sciences he affects to contemn ; and of this we may 
be sure, that the rank we shall hold in society will mainly 
depend upon our scientific acquirements. 
For the reasons I have advanced, lectures on Chemistry 
precede, in point of time, those on Materia Medica. The 
labours of Professor Morton in this field are beyond our 
praise ; moreover, they are appreciated by the profession. 
To adopt the language of one now present (Professor Spooner) 
we may say, “ What Veterinary Materia Medica was before 
Mr. Morton touched it, and what it is now, are two very 
different things.’’ As to its present state I need say nothing. 
We have not yet heard the last of the Professor’s valuable 
lectures on the subject. What it was you may best learn 
by consulting the older authors. When we ponder upon its 
ancient degradation, we can readily believe that Professor 
Morton has experienced great difficulties in bringing this 
division of science to its present position. Probably all 
present possess his u Manual of Pharmacy,” — a book written 
for students, and in fulfilment of a promise made to students. 
It is a work of a highly scientific and most useful character, 
and upon it, in great part, the reputation of the Professor 
depends, as it embraces the summary of his most important 
labours. Its worth is also attested by its extensive circu^ 
lation. It has been graphically styled “a little book, a great 
good.” Put to continue : Veterinary Toxicology has received 
exposition from Mr. Morton’s pen. The admirable chart he 
has drawn up, illustrative of that subject, evidences much 
research, and affords considerable assistance both to the 
student and the [practitioner. Most of you are aware that 
he is likewise the author of an elegant monograph on the 
formation of calculous concretions in our domesticated ani- 
mals. As one of the founders of the Veterinary Medical 
