642 ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
with life- — all bespeak the wisdom, the power, and the benefi- 
cence of Him who, having made all things, pronounced them to 
be “ very good.” 
“ There can be no questioning the fact of Chemistry having 
done much for physiology, since with every change in the con- 
struction of an organ or a tissue a corresponding change in 
function must ensue. This clearly points out the necessity of 
the two being studied in union, while it also shews the value 
of anatomy as the foundation of both. The peculiar nature of 
vitality may for ever be hidden from the ken of mortals, and its 
abstract essence elude detection. We know not how it is that 
even plants grow, or the flowers unfold their petals, diffusing 
those odours around, the elements of which were derived from 
offensive and putrifying matter : nevertheless, chemical laws 
are, doubtlessly, in operation here, but, as he believed, controlled 
and influenced by those designated vital. That this last-named 
is a controlling force or power, seems to be proved by the 
changes which take place in an organic body when it has 
ceased to live ; for then it is that the chemical forces come into 
operation, and, meeting with no antagonism, give rise to various 
compounds altogether unlike the original mass, although their 
elements were derived from it.” 
The improvements that of late years had been made in the 
curriculum of the student were pointed out and commended : 
the number of teachers having been considerably increased, and 
some very important divisions, which but a comparatively short 
period since found no place, being now duly recognized. Nor 
would it stop here, the present being a progressing age. The 
value resulting from co-operation having been also expatiated 
on, it was remarked that two great agents are in operation at 
the present day in medicine — chemistry, and the use of the 
microscope. Proofs of the advantages derived from the use of 
the latter, were adduced from several works recently published ; 
and, as illustrative of the former, the Lecturer selected for con- 
sideration the function of Digestion, with the derangements 
that take place in it, which receive elucidation from chemical 
laws ; as well as the remedies to be had recourse to so as to bring 
about a restoration to health. 
On the microscopic examination of morbid products, to the 
formation of a correct diagnosis, Mr. Bransby Cooper, late Pre- 
sident of the Veterinary Board of Examiners, in a brochure re- 
centty published by him, says “lam now convinced, that the 
microscope is as necessary to the anatomist and pathologist, as 
the scalpel to the one, and bedside observation to the other.” 
Further on he observes, “The examination of the various 
products which result from inflammation, is a most laborious 
