12 ON THE PROGRESS OF THE VETERINARY ART. 
proof and argument. A calm, temperate, and undisguised state- 
ment of facts and opinions will carry more weight than a violent 
abusive attack upon any one. But by assimilating our feelings 
to the individual temperament and personal peculiarities of each 
other, we shall minister individually and collectively to the good 
of our profession, and the general march of science and improve- 
ment. We must recognize the system of mutual dependence, 
assistance, and support, and labour together for our common 
good. There are so many disputed points in every science, upon 
which men of literature and learning disagree, that it is impossi- 
ble to find two minds so constituted as to think on all subjects 
alike : — 
“ Discourse may want an animated No, 
To brush its surface, and to make it flow;” 
but the manner of expressing a difference of opinion has often 
been quoted as the surest test of that good breeding which may 
coincide without flattery and disagree without offence. Allow 
me again to congratulate our profession on our cheering prospects, 
and once more to urge that unanimity and good feeling towards 
each other, on which its future prosperity must mainly depend 
and which will be a stronger palladium for its security and welfare 
than any legal power can bestow without its co-operation. 
I cannot close this desultory letter without adverting to the prac- 
tical remarks contained in the admirable Oration delivered by my 
relative and friend, Mr. Thomas Turner, at our annual meeting. 
The facts which he narrates must prove the necessity that exists 
for us to use our most strenuous endeavours to obtain for our pro- 
fession a charter, which will be the means of raising it to that 
standard of popular appreciation to which it is so justly entitled. 
The steps that have been taken by the committee towards the 
attainment of this desirable object he fully detailed, and, I am 
assured, they will be read with great interest by all. The liberal 
feeling evinced by the co-operation of the professors with the 
wishes of the profession at large are additional claims on our 
gratitude, and should bind more strongly than ever the bonds of 
that chain of mutual dependence, ready fellowship, and kindly 
good offices reciprocally given and received, which will unite toge- 
ther the different members of our profession in one compact and 
comprehensive whole. 
And now, wishing yourself and colleague every happiness and 
prosperity, allow me to subscribe myself, 
Dear Sir, 
Your’s very faithfully, 
G. Baker. 
Reigate, 
December 13th, 1842. 
