EDUCATION OF THE VETERINARY SURGEON. 
637 
scholar, but it is education which refines, dignifies, elevates, 
and ennobles him ; from it he imbibes sentiments of libe- 
rality and honour; his habits become established, and his 
taste refined ; and whilst he strives to emulate the noble and 
the good, he acquires no less an abhorrence of that which is 
vulgar and ignoble. 
It is the acknowledgment of this principle, that gives to 
the educated man a standing in society, and raises him to 
the social position of a gentleman. Therefore, in my 
opinion, what is wanting to give eclat to the veterinary pro- 
fession is an Educational examination. Let it only be 
publicly known, that no person can be admitted as a member 
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons unless he has 
received a liberal education, and we shall have little to 
complain of respecting our “ status.” 
What ! I would ask, has our profession degenerated ? Are 
we making no progress with the present march of intellect ? 
Are we less required than formerly, that we should not 
demand of our young men an effort to keep pace with the 
advance of other sciences ? Look at the facts. How often 
is the veterinary surgeon called upon to give evidence in im- 
portant cases — to examine animals worth hundreds of pounds 
— to decide at a race, where thousands are at stake? Has 
not the value of horses almost doubly increased, and the 
demand for scientific knowledge in improving the breeds 
become a subject of national importance? Are not the army 
appointments daily calling the intelligent young veterinarian 
to duties that at once give him the position of “an officer 
and a gentleman and, to crown all, has not royalty con- 
descended to sit at our convivial board, and wish success to 
our progress? What further incentives could we require? 
Is there a more honorable or profitable career? And shall it 
be said, we are still without education ? 
I am sure, sirs, the question only requires to be asked to 
receive an unequivocal reply. I do not say nothing has been 
done ; but I think much yet remains to be accomplished. 
It may be contended that by instituting an educational 
examination, we should exclude many deserving men from 
pursuing a calling congenial to their habits, tastes, and incli- 
nations ; but this is far from my meaning. By all means let 
the temple of knowledge be open. The intelligent groom or 
farrier might attend the lectures of the college, and go forth 
with his certificate of such attendance ; but before admitting 
any persons to present themselves for their diploma, they 
should be required to undergo an educational examination to 
an extent commensurate with the dignity of the profession 
xxviii. 82 
