620 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
We have, therefore, prescribed for you the “ careful dissec- 
tion of as many subjects as the professor of each department 
shall think necessary for the attainment of a practical know- 
ledge of anatomy ;” besides, also, the attendance on at least 
two sessional courses of lectures on the same subjects ; and 
by your diligent attention in this theatre you will, I have no 
doubt, carry away with you a general knowledge of these 
highly important branches of your study, to which your own 
dissections will give a full practical value. 
You will observe in Rule X, that some of you are allowed 
to avail yourselves of the advantages of being (e prosectors,” 
that is to say, of preparing the parts for the lecturer or 
demonstrator. This office is necessarily limited to pupils 
attending their second session, and I venture to hope there 
will be many candidates for it. 
Your conduct in the dissecting-room is also alluded to in 
the Rules. That place, I would remark, is the test of the 
assiduity and gentlemanly conduct of the student. Men of 
disorder, the spirits of idleness, are pretty sure to develop 
their vicious propensities there, if anywhere. Look well to 
yourselves then when you are performing that part of your 
duties. Do not allow loitering and play, or vulgarity, to 
creep in among you. Do not behave as if you thought you 
were dealing with so much offal ; but comport yourselves as 
learners in the wonderful mysteries of animated nature. 
Regard your “ subject” as a book replete with the most curious 
and useful interest, and one which demands your undivided 
attention. Associate yourselves only with the diligent at the 
dissecting-tables ; and if you maintain habits of industry and 
dignity in the dissecting-room I have no fear for you in the 
other departments of the College. 
The next subjects which are mentioned in the rules are 
chemistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.” I scarcely 
need urge anything regarding the importance of these, for, in 
one short word, they are to constitute the apex of the pyramid. 
You will find it useful to take notes of all the lectures 
which you attend, yet not to such an extent as to aim at 
being reporters, but rather for the purpose of fixing valuable 
and practical facts on your memories. In your diligent 
attendance upon these lectures, you will find every day the 
link that exists between your various studies; and especially 
will your knowledge of anatomy and physiology be a per- 
petual illustration and commentary upon the practice of 
veterinary medicine. 
The science of medicine divides itself into two branches, 
with both of which you must become intimately conversant, 
