596 
INTRODUCTORY lecture. 
which I shall presently more particularly allude. And 
believe me, when I say, 
“Divine philosophy 
Is not harsh and crabbed, as dull fools suppose ; 
But musical as is Apollo’s lute, 
And a perpetual feast of nectared sweets 
Where no crude surfeit reigns.” 
Those of you who are just entering upon your studies will 
naturally expect from me an outline thereof, with the aids to 
be afforded you, and how the shoals and quicksands are to 
be avoided that surround the haven of your hopes. Nor will 
you refuse a word or two of advice from one, who, while he 
is not altogether ignorant of your wishes and your wants, 
earnestly desires to see the veterinary profession maintain its 
place among the other divisions of science, and to progress 
in common with them. And to you he looks as the means 
by whrich this great end is to be accomplished. On you, 
therefore, in his opinion, will depend, in a great measure, the 
future “ weal or woe ” of this profession. How necessary, 
then, is it that you should be well and rightly instructed ; 
for correct principles are abiding. Kings and dynasties may 
change, but truth ever remains the same. “ Once a fact 
always a fact,” is an axiom ; and depending upon impressions 
made, and habits acquired in early life, will be the character 
of the man. 
Now, you are aware, that in the erection of a great build- 
ing, many artificers are engaged. All cannot be the designers 
or architects thereof. Many must be contented to be “ hewers 
of wood and drawers of water.” To some, the execution of 
the lighter and merely ornamental portions are assigned ; 
while others are occupied with the rougher and more sub- 
stantial parts. Still, all are necessary to the perfecting of the 
edifice. Thus is it shown that union among the members of 
a profession, and co-operation are called for. “ The eye 
cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee ; nor again, 
the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” 
Moreover, I have a two-fold object in speaking thus. I 
know it is not uncommon for the painstaking and industrious 
student, who ultimately is sure to succeed, to compare him- 
self with others, and to despond because he does not at the 
first take so high a standing as they, or make equal advances 
with them. Despair not; you must in the end reap your 
reward. Faint not; the hill may at first sight appear steep 
and difficult of ascent, but by perseverance you will reach its 
summit ; and proportionate to the amount of your labour will 
