624 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
rity. It is not mine to be so privileged. What I have 
adumbrated may “ like shadows come, and so depart.” I 
have simply given to you my convictions of what must in 
time take place here, and “ there is a time for all things 
under the sun,” and having already witnessed the intro- 
duction of so many improvements, I hope to live to see 
others follow them. 
Believe me when I say it is from no love of innovation, or a 
craving after novelty, that these propositions have been made 
by me — in truth there is hardly any novelty in them, analogous 
ones having been before suggested — but from a sincere desire 
to aid in the advancement of our profession. During my long 
connexion with it, I have observed with regret, mixed with 
no little surprise, that it is not so highly estimated by the 
public as it merits ; and being of opinion that its closer 
alliance with some of the other sciences, by their introduc- 
tion into your curriculum, would render it more so, I have 
not hesitated to give full expression to my views ; and I 
am gratified in knowing that these are strengthened by 
similar ones having been enunciated by Professor Spooner, 
at the meeting of the Council of the Royal College of Vete- 
rinary Surgeons, held in December last, when he said, “ If 
the examination fee were reduced, the Royal Veterinary Col- 
lege might be in a position to appoint an additional teacher in 
some other branch of science . And he asked, whether that 
would not be an advantage to the pupil, as well as a means 
to increase the reputation and efficiency of the college.” 
This, I confess, I was glad to hear. Nor am I travelling out 
of the road in making these propositions. It was evidently 
intended by the founders of this institution that summer 
lectures should be given. In an old volume, bearing date 
179B which I have lately seen in the library of the British 
Museum, bound up with other odd pamphlets, are the “ Pro- 
posed Regulations for the Veterinary College,” issued during 
the professorship of Mons. St. Bel. 
It is neither my intention nor desire to comment on the 
“distribution of the studies” then determined upon; suffice 
it to say that they were divided into eight courses, and these 
extended over a period of three years ; this time being 
thought “ sufficient for a complete education, provided the 
pupils are capable, assiduous, and well inclined.” When 
“having completed their studies, they shall undergo a 
publick examination in the theory and practice of every 
branch of the veterinary art, and those who shall be con- 
sidered as perfectly instructed therein, shall receive 
a certificate signed by the Professor, and confirmed by 
