THE 
VETERINARIAN. 
YOL. XXVII, 
No. 323. 
NOVEMBER, 1854. 
Third Series, 
No. 83. 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE, 
By Professor Morton, Royal Veterinary College. 
OPENING THE SESSION OF 1854-5. 
Gentlemen,— Heed we it, or heed we it not, time rolls 
on. Its revolving wheel has brought round the commence- 
ment of another session, and it has devolved on me to give 
the opening address. 
I could have wished that this honour had been conferred 
on either of my colleagues instead ; for they, from “ thoughts 
that breathe,” would have given you “ words that burn,” and 
thus profitably have engaged your attention during the 
current hour. Nevertheless, I hesitate not t„o attempt the 
performance of my task, having in former years experienced 
the kind consideration of my audience, and I do not for a mo- 
ment doubt but that the same will be extended to me now. 
Moreover, there is this advantage connected with an 
introductory lecture : by common consent it is allowed to be 
somewhat discursive ; and although during it many points of 
interest may be adverted to, they are little more than touched 
upon, and much is referred to in a general ^ ay only ; so that 
at the best a cursory view of the subject is taken, to be 
amplified afterwards. 
To all of you the present period of your lives is big with 
importance. To many, much that is novel and mind-stirring* 
will present itself ; to others this possibly may .not be the case, 
because they have become somewhat familiarised with their 
studies ; yet to one and all it is a season demanding thought 
and reflection, and depending upon the reciprocal perform- 
ance of duties that attach themselves both to the teachers 
and the taught, will be the result of this our reunion. 
You will allow me then, in my own name and the names of 
my colleagues, with all sincerity to greet you. May it be 
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