390 MR. BARLOW’S ANSWER TO MR. MAYHEW. 
not to give them another trial, as I think their “ popular meaning” 
cannot be mistaken when used for a definite “ object.” On this 
account, I feel disposed to make occasional use of some of them, 
not doubting but that their originator will find them more welcome 
than “ obscure ” words of mine, which might produce as little effect 
as those in the “ letter” did when first applied ; for there are 
instances in which people even accustomed to writing for the 
“ press” deserve to be heard “ merely for their much speaking.” 
We live in an ERA which, in addition to affording ample evidence 
of this, also exemplifies the folly of these persons presuming to 
meddle with “ a higher branch of science ;” for, in the discoveries 
they publish to the world, there is so much “ common place” mat- 
ter, that those who have made any “ advance in science,” almost 
resolve “to dispense with books” entirely, unless, what rarely 
occurs, a CHIRON does indeed appear. 
Apart from this digression, however, which in no way applies to 
Mr. May hew, who is rather an elderly member of the profession, 
I wish, in the next place, to inform him that I am far from being 
“ hurt” on finding any one unaware of the extent of my knowledge. 
My language was that of surprise, when I found him dilating with 
such gravity on “ structures ” which, because he had recently be- 
come acquainted with them, he seemed to think had “been hitherto 
unobserved” by others . So far from being “hurt” because the ex- 
tent of my knowledge had not reached Mr. Mayhem, I should, in 
all “ kindly feeling,” rather entertain pity for one who had at so 
late an hour become acquainted with “ certain ligamentous bands” 
and their diseases ; as it implied a previous lack of knowledge, to 
be deplored on his own behalf, and for the sake of those placed for 
instruction under him. I feel under no obligation to declare my 
“ superiority ” to such an one , in order to qualify myself for acting 
the honoured part of preceptor towards him. Being “ cute and sen- 
sitive” regarding my “ own reputation,” I question whether I should 
gain any credit by a pupil who has lived so long in a “favoured 
sphere,” and has made no farther advance than he appears to have 
done. I am afraid his “ ears” would not be long enough profitably 
to “ catch words,” however plainly an inhabitant of “ the north” 
might endeavour to embody in them principles, of which the au- 
thor of the “ letter” may yet be “ unfortunately ignorant.” 
I also feel under as little obligation to publish “what is known 
in Edinburgh ;” for the small amount of “ learning” which we 
possess in veterinary matters, has perhaps come through the instru- 
mentality of others. I leave those who are discoverers, those 
who find out “ something new” to enjoy the full honour to which 
their laborious investigations entitle them, and will as gladly as the 
“ medical press” award my humble meed of praise to any thing I 
