LETTER TO VETERINARIANS. 
615 
JAMES TURNER’S LETTER TO HIS BROTHER 
VETERINARIANS. 
The tomb has now closed upon both the successful workers 
of our parent institution, viz, : — Professors Coleman and 
Sewell, of the Royal Veterinary College of London. 
Peace to their manes ! The former, a man of transcendent 
abilities; the latter, gifted with the average share of talent, in 
conjunction with all the requisites of a plain efficient man of 
business ; who has left an example — after more than fifty 
years’ devotion to the veterinary profession — of a perfect pat- 
tern to the rising generation : an illustration of the success 
ever attendant in this free and happy country, upon the con- 
stant exercise of industry, temperance, and frugality, when 
combined with integrity and honesty of purpose. 
The Veterinary College of London, in embryo, was ushered 
in under the countenance and support of the illustrious 
Hunter. 
The immortal name of John Hunter was appended to the 
first prospectus — alone a sufficient stamp of the vitality of the 
germ. * 
But the development of this national and useful institu- 
tion has been wonderfully fostered by the coincidences of 
times and circumstances, the last half century having in- 
cluded the most Palmy days in the history of Great Britain. 
In accordance with the advance of civilization and science, 
it was the destiny of a body of deserving men to be recog- 
nised and admitted within the pale of professionals. The one 
great intellect, master-mind as it was unquestionably, that 
presided over the infant college in the person of Edward 
Coleman, Esq., F.R.S., did not alone suffice; the Professor 
derived daily and hourly co-operation and support, through a 
series of years, from the renowned giant of surgery, Sir 
Astley Cooper, arising out of personal friendship between 
the two distinguished individuals of the warmest character. 
It will never be forgotten by our profession (never ought to 
be,) that on all public occasions, the great boon was brought 
to bear of Sir Astley’s overwhelming eloquence in praise of 
his friend and veterinary profession. 
The veterinary student was free in that day to nearly all the 
great hospital schools of London. Everything conspired in 
his favour ; and the parent institution has struck a root so deep 
in the land, that its legitimate members have become recently, 
through Royal grace, a Corporate Body, and, therefore, a part 
and parcel of our glorious constitution. 
