380 
COM PTE RENDU OF THE 
scarcely meeting with any effect. Erring next in the other ex- 
treme, Mr. Taplin recommends aloes and calomel in such doses as 
in England very frequently produce the most lasting ill effects, 
and often inflame the bowels so much as to produce death ; 
while Mr. Coleman finds one-third or half the dose answer every 
purpose of a purgative*. 
THE ADDRESS OF M. DELAFOND, AND TITE COMTE RENDU 
OF THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE VETERINARY 
SCHOOL AT ALFORT IN 1843. 
At the close of each scholastic year, and in a solemn meeting 
like this, some professor is charged with giving an account of the 
labours of our school. I have the honour of occupying this post 
to-day. 
To smooth the difficulties of a long and painful course of study 
— to habituate the pupils to exercise their good sense in seeing 
clearly, and comparing and judging rightly — to properly estimate 
their actual knowledge on every branch of which the veterinary 
art is composed — and to train up men useful to agriculture and to 
their country generally — such are the duties of the professors of 
this school. It is impossible fully to estimate the task which is 
imposed upon them. Veterinary medicine is a science of itself, 
already occupying a vast field, always extending, and the principles 
of which must be sought by continual efforts. The professors, 
gentlemen, are especially charged with the accomplishment of 
this, and a heavy responsibility rests upon them. Their task is 
only terminated when they have accomplished this last obli- 
gation. 
They will deem themselves happy if they have in this, as in 
preceding years, accomplished the views of government — if they 
have preserved the reputation which the school of Alfort has so 
long acquired — and if the observations and researches to which 
they have devoted themselves, and the works which they have 
published, should be deemed useful in the advancement of science. 
I shall now, gentlemen, have the honour of making known to 
you the principal exertions of the professors in the service of this 
establishment. May you deem this account to be worthy of your 
approbation ! 
* It is to be remembered that Mr. Taplin wrote for the horses in England, 
where half the quantity of purgatives that are used in hot climates will 
suffice (vide chapter on the Iutestines). 
