58 BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE MR. WM. PERCIY ALL. 
said in opposition to the publication ; but the author was of 
too independent a spirit to be dictated to on this head, and 
there arose, consequently, a coolness between parties who had 
previously been on the most intimate terms. 
That Mr. Percivall was highly respected, and his abilities 
duly appreciated by the majority of the profession, there is 
ample proof : but that there was some jealousy evinced 
towards him and his works, on the part of some of its mem- 
bers, he was well aware ; and it was this which prevented 
him from appearing so often amongst them as he otherwise 
would have done. He used to look back with pleasure upon 
the friendly and professional meetings of former days ; but 
so many of his old friends being taken from him, he no 
longer felt the same interest in that society which for many 
years had afforded him so much pleasure, and to the con- 
viviality of which he had, in no small degree, contributed. 
In the early part of the year 1827, the Veterinary charge 
of two regiments was offered him by the respective colonels. 
One of these (the 1st Regiment of Life Guards) he accepted, 
succeeding the late Mr. Bloxham, in May of the above year, 
and entering upon those duties which, until his lamented 
decease, in December, 1854, he fulfilled with so much credit 
to himself, and advantage to the regiment. 
In 1824, Mr. Percivall had the honour of presenting to the 
late Emperor Alexander of Russia, a copy of his ee Lectures 
on the Veterinary Art,” in return for which he received a 
handsome gold snuff-box, accompanied by the subjoined 
letter.* This is the only presentation ever offered, as a mark 
of approbation for zeal and professional talents, to one who 
was at all times ready with his purse to contribute to various 
testimonials to members of the profession, as well as to do 
justice to their merits by recording in the pages of The 
Veterinarian the particulars of such marks of distinction. 
Mr. Percivall, perceiving the great want of a Veterinary 
periodical, as a medium of communication between the 
members of the profession, and being anxious that this 
desideratum should be carried out, undertook, at the earnest 
* [translation]. 
“London, 15 th Sept., 1824. 
“ Sir, — The Emperor, my august master, having 1 deigned graciously to 
accept the work on ‘ Veterinary Medicine’ with which you have done 
homage to His Imperial Majesty, has commanded me to present you with 
the accompanying box, as a mark of his benevolence and satisfaction. In 
acquitting myself of this duty, Sir, I seize the opportunity of offering to 
you the assurances of my highest consideration. 
(Signed) “ Lieven. 
To Mr. Percivall.” 
