432 ON THE VETERINARY SURGEONS’ EXEMPTION BILL. 
topical ; inflammation by depletives, antiphlogistics and counter- 
irritants. If an abscess forms, it must be freely opened ; though 
I have reason to believe it is good to defer the operation until 
the tumour is well developed. Afterwards, daily inject the 
cavity with an anodyne detergent or antiseptic mixture, ac- 
cording to its condition. 
A charge upon the back and loins is a good defence to the 
animal before turning out. 
ON THE VETERINARY SURGEONS’ EXEMPTION BILL. 
By J. Horsburgh, V.S., Dalkeith. 
To the Editor of u The Veterinarian .” 
Sir, — I n the newspapers, lately, there has appeared notice of 
a bill (first in the House of Lords, and next in the House of 
Commons by Mr. Hume) to exempt veterinary surgeons from 
serving on juries. This would be perfectly right, and in justice 
to the profession ; but perhaps no bill is required in the case. 
I do not pretend to be acquainted with the law, but, having 
often been called on as a juryman, and put to much trouble and 
loss of time, I thought of claiming the exemption which I con- 
sidered the act of parliament, as it stood, entitled the veterinary 
profession to. Accordingly, about four years ago, being sum- 
moned to attend on a criminal trial before the High Court of Jus- 
ticiary in Edinburgh, I, on my name being called, walked up to 
the bar, and claimed exemption from serving. On being asked 
by the lord justice’s clerk on what my claim rested, I stated to 
his lordship, that the act of parliament distinctly said “ ALL 
surgeons having a regular diploma, and actually practising, were 
exempted therefore, though I was not a human surgeon, still, 
the act containing the words “ all surgeons,” I considered ve- 
terinary surgeons came under its meaning; and that, if his 
lordship really thought such was the meaning of the act, I 
hoped he would be so good as to grant us the benefit of it. 
Books were accordingly sent for (I suppose containing the acts 
referred to), and consultation took place between his lordship and 
the other judges; which finished, he told me that they considered 
I had a good cause for exemption, but that he could grant me 
release hut for that day only ; and that I had better apply to 
the sheriff’s office for a blank schedule, on which I was in future 
to state my objections, and he had no doubt I would be relieved. 
I did so, and have never since been summoned as a juryman. 
