ROYAL VETERINARY SCHOOL AT ALFORT, 1841-2 585 
science, but especially in medicine, rarely discovers itself at the 
first glance. Generally, the search is long before we discover 
it ; and if it sometimes escapes us, it is because we have not 
bestowed sufficient attention on the object before us, or there 
has been some fault in our method of observation, or we have 
neglected some phenomena so small, or so fugitive, that they 
were not perceived. Recollect also that, in order to observe 
with truth and accuracy, we should have no obstinate precon- 
ceived opinions, for the spirit of system is too often directly op- 
posed to that of observation. 
The spirit of system makes us see many things utterly opposed 
to that v\hich really exists ; it perverts facts, instead of inquiring 
into them ; it mutilates, instead of admiring and perfecting 
them. It lends itself to views more or less ingenious, but that 
are almost always false ; it makes all his facts bow to theory. 
Then observe faithfully the circumstances that occur. Form 
no conclusion until you have long and attentively examined 
them. You must have deliberately reflected, if you wish to be 
concerned in hastening the progress of a science scarcely freed 
from the trammels of empiricism, in which it has been so long- 
enveloped, and to distinguish yourselves from visionary and pre- 
tended observers, who disdain the pure and simple study of 
nature. 
Carefully guard yourselves against those who are eager to re- 
form the language of science — who would change many a mode 
of speaking, consecrated by time and usage — whose modes of 
expression are unexact, and almost always incomplete. Doubt- 
less there are many happy innovations in our medical dialect, 
and which the progress of science demands. There are many 
new facts to be classed in our memories, many new words to be, 
as it were, coined ; but we must continue to respect those whose 
only fault is that they are too simple or too old. 
We must not, however, forget the numerous and important 
relations which connect together veterinary medicine and agri- 
culture, and which give to a state its power, its riches, and its life. 
Be persuaded, Gentlemen, that by devoting ourselves to the 
medical treatment of our cattle by ameliorating and multiplying 
those valuable animals who lend us all their strength — who till 
our land, and enrich it with their manure, and nourish us with 
their flesh, and cover us with their hides, we are continuing to 
augment the private and public patrimony — to benefit society 
generally, and promote the prosperity of our beautiful country, 
at the same time that we worthily respond to the wishes of a 
liberal government, that has gratuitously supplied — the greatest 
want of man — instruction, and who has only demanded as the 
