THE EDINBURGH VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
595 
third of the students examined, they “most solemnly and deli- 
berately aver that every word contained in our (the) Report is 
true in every particular.” Are they to be believed upon oath as to 
a whole when they have only heard with their “ own ears,” and 
seen with their “ own eyes,” and “ have the testimony of their 
own consciences” to only a third of what they aver. If their con- 
sciences can allow them to assert that they have stated the truth, 
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, when they have only 
seen and heard the third part of what they swore to as a whole, 
I can only say they have very easy consciences; but how easy 
soever their consciences may be, I am persuaded their testimony 
in the case will only be taken for what it has proved to be worth. 
They affirm, however, that their statement is “ substantiated 
by gentlemen who sat at the same table with Dr. Mercer.” But 
where is their statement] Let the reporters bring it forward, 
authenticated by the names of the gentlemen they refer to : from 
what has been already shewn it is, indeed, much wanted to sup- 
port them. 
The reporters, and especially Mr. Gabriel, have laid great stress 
upon my protest regarding chemistry, as a proof of their correct- 
ness in reporting; but Mr. Gabriel has forgotten to mention in the 
report, that he also protested at last examination, and that his pro- 
test was against four of the students being examined, — not against 
their being passed as unqualified, or to their being ignorant on any 
point, but because they had not produced certain certificates, one 
of which was a certificate of having attended chemistry. I con- 
tended that the Council had no right by the Charter to demand 
such certificates; because the Charter only gives power to exa- 
mine, not directly to enforce a curriculum ; and that they had no 
right to demand any other than a general certificate of their having 
attended the course of study prescribed in either school at the time 
the Charter was granted ; and that as there was then no class of 
chemistry taught in the school, they had no right to demand that 
the students should produce more than a general certificate of 
having attended the course of study prescribed by the rules of 
this school; hence arose my protest. 1 objected also, on another 
ground, to furnishing these certificates, which was, that these four 
students had entered here long prior to the passing of the bye- 
laws which demand those certificates, and that the bye-laws could 
not have a retrospective effect in regard to any student — that they 
did not apply to those who had entered here prior to the enact- 
ment of the bye-laws : nay, more, the bye-laws which the Council 
sought to bring into operation against these four students were as 
applicable to all who presented themselves at the same time ; in- 
stead of which, however, they are so framed that they do not come 
