INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
625 
the Council. 5 ’ My object is to refer to the fourth and fifth 
courses, which are as follows, premising that the lectures on 
materia medica w r ere includedin the third course. 
“ Fourth Course . 
“The pupils shall attend a course of pharmacy, to obtain 
a knowledge of the different preparations. They shall divide 
their morning between the dispensary and laboratory. 
“ Fifth Course . 
“ A knowledge of the common plants and herbs being 
necessary to the veterinary physician, the pupils shall attend 
a course of botany relative to veterinary medicine. This 
course shall take place in the afternoon, and shall, as well as 
the preceding, continue during the summer.” 
I have no doubt valid reasons could be assigned why 
these resolutions were not fully carried out, a circumstance 
not recognised by cavillers; still, I am sure they were 
framed in judgment, with a knowledge of the wants of the 
profession, as well as that they would tend to promote its 
onward progress, and ultimately enhance its worth and 
estimation. 
To what I have stated allow me to add, I would not 
wait for the pressure from without to bring about these 
changes. Schools should assume the initiative. As it is re- 
quired of the teacher to be in advance of the taught in 
knowledge, so is it necessary that schools ‘should take the 
lead in introducing that which in their judgment they may 
consider to be conducive to the general good of the profes- 
sion as a body. 
To a certain extent, it may be conceded that it is wise to 
let well alone ; but when all around us is progressing, to 
stand still will be simply showing that we are ignorant 
of what is taking place, or asleep at our posts. Even con- 
servatism will admit all that is needful in the way of change, 
so as to maintain the integrity of the social and political 
economy. Burke once said, “ Reform delayed is revolution 
begun.” It is, therefore, insane to dread innovation, and 
withhold consent to the adoption of measures pregnant with 
good. 
Education on all sides is making rapid advances. In 
proof of this, notice the man) r varied plans devised for the 
diffusion of knowledge. Are we not lighted on the days 
spoken of by the prophet, when “many shall run to and 
fro, and knowledge shall be increased,” — the beginning of 
the end of Time? Let us then be up and doing; not being 
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