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EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
We also think the time is come when our profession 
has a right to take a high position, and that this can only be 
secured by giving to its literature a more scientific tone and 
character. Veterinary medicine* from the multiplicity of 
facts it now possesses* has merged from out of a mere art into 
a science* and among those who have gone forth to practise 
it there are minds that possess the capability of thinking ere 
they act, and can and do assign a reason for their acting 
when called upon. Indeed, the present day is one in which 
this is more than ever required of the professional man ; for 
science* that “bird of paradise/ 5 as it has been designated by 
our immediate predecessor* has of late years been taking 
rapid and extensive flights* and alighting here and there to 
shake and re-arrange its golden plumage, slightly ruffled by 
ignorance and deep-rooted prejudice* has left behind it traces 
of its genial influence in the developing of the intellectual 
powers and awakening a love of research and investigation. 
The application of such powerful excitants as these to the 
practice of medicine has resulted in the discovery of fresh 
modes for ameliorating the sufferings of men and animals 
when diseased; and thus many of the older plans have almost 
fallen into disuetude. To report these changes* and to aid 
in their general adoption* will be one part of our duty. 
Perhaps another reason might be assigned* namely* the 
unequivocal proof which has been given by the members of 
our profession of their estimation of a journal of this kind, 
by the undeviating support it has always received from them. 
And surely some channel of communication, some medium 
for the interchange of thought* and suggestions for continued 
improvement* is in every sense desirable. Moreover* we 
are friends to the diffusion of knowledge, and enemies to all 
exclusiveness. We would not that light should be hidden 
under a bushel* or information be pent up in colleges and 
cloisters* as in the mediaeval ages* the crudities of which some 
even now affect to admire. Knowledge* like “ mercy, is twice 
blessed : it blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.” 
5 Tis like good seed sown in good ground* sure to be produc- 
tive. “It grows with what it feeds on.” He* therefore, who 
