EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
549 
ratus is very extensive, the electrical and other machines 
very large ; the air-furnace capable of generating a very high 
degree of heat, and the hydrostatic balance is that used by 
Berzelius. The Professor’s lecture-room is connected with the 
laboratory — in fact, both form one spacious apartment — 
which is very convenient, as it enables the lecturer most satis- 
factorily to demonstrate to his class the mode of preparing 
the various chemical and other compounds. The pharmacy 
appeared to be equally well appointed, and several students 
were acting as assistants. 
Before the completion of their studies, for a period of 
four or six months, according to the progress they make, 
they are required practically to devote themselves to 
the laboratory and the pharmacy, by which they become 
conversant with the modes of analysis, and learn to 
manipulate; and having given satisfactory proof of their 
proficiency, a certificate to this effect is presented to them. 
We have already assigned the reason why our notice of our 
cursory visit to this, among the first of the veterinary schools 
in France, is so brief. Doubtless there is much in it both 
to commend and to copy. It is more than probable, too, it 
has its defects, for what human design is without them ? but 
these we saw not. One thing, however, struck us as being 
somewhat singular : that amongst so much that is truly 
excellent, there was not a library for the general use of the 
pupils, each being required to obtain his own books for study. 
This of course might with the greatest ease be procured, 
and thus the school would, we think, be rendered both more 
perfect and more useful. 
“ Fiat justitia ruat coelum.” 
A VISIT TO THE IMPERIAL AND CENTRAL SOCIETY OE 
VETERINARY MEDICINE. 
On the day following our visit to Alfort, by virtue of an 
honour conferred on us some years since, in common with 
our compagnon du voyage , Mr. Ernes, we attended, as honorary 
members, a meeting of the Societe Nationale et Centrale de 
