624 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
practice of the College, the neglect of which will be followed by- 
certain penalties, and these, I am sure, all of you who are 
desirous to improve, will sedulously avoid. I shall not pursue the 
ungracious task of recapitulating these stringent, but needful 
regulations, but content myself with observing, that your 
duty to your teachers, to your parents and guardians, and to 
yourselves, will be best fulfilled by an honorable compliance 
with the regulations imposed regarding the hours to be spent 
in acquiring knowledge within the walls of this institution. 
I would especially recommend you to observe the various 
cases which are under treatment from day to day ; to make 
notes of what you see, and, as far as possible, to regard each 
case as your own. By attending to this, you will acquire a 
large amount of information. 
For the purpose also of furthering your improvement, 
pupils of the second session will, in rotation, hold the office 
of clinical clerks ; and they and the prosectors, when they 
have obtained their diploma, will receive certificates to that 
effect. 
In the regulations you will likewise notice another pro- 
vision, according to which, no certificates of attendance on 
lectures, or of merit, will be granted until after you have 
obtained your diploma from the Royal College of Veterinary 
Surgeons. This measure brings the examining body of the 
profession, and the Royal Veterinary College, into the closest 
union, so as to effect that object which is desired by both, 
namely, the elevation of the standard of veterinary education 
and competency. 
In a word, we make our verdict of approval of your 
conduct and attainments contingent upon your successful 
passage through their examination. This I regard as a 
practical proof on our part, that we value the integrity and 
completeness of your professional education. For so long 
as this regulation exists, no isolated certificate will be granted 
by us, but you will receive all after obtaining your diploma. 
No man henceforth will be enabled to palm upon the 
country a certificate merely from one professor, or to found a 
title to practise on any such partial and incomplete document. 
We expect that this will work well for all those who are 
diligent in their studies, and who have resolved to acquire 
that which is the necessary passport into society as a recog- 
nised member of the profession. 
Another reason wffiich makes this more creditable to the 
aspirant is, the preliminary examination you will have to 
undergo at the end of your second session, before you can 
be admitted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for 
