670 THE INTRODUCTORY LECTURE OF MR FIELD. 
The system of education at present pursued at the Veterinary 
College has been the subject of my warmest eulogy, more especially 
as regards the introduction of a more comprehensive course of 
study ; from which I have been led to bring under your notice the 
Museum of the College of Surgeons, and from a reference to its 
contents, and from the example of the late John Hunter, it has 
been my earnest aim to incite one and all to a more intimate ac- 
quaintance with comparative anatomy and physiology; and al- 
though I have felt it my duty to notice a certain defect which still 
exists — I mean the too indiscriminate admission of pupils to the 
College — I have been actuated by the firm conviction of the para- 
mount importance of some little knowledge of general literature, 
as a means of introduction into society, and of enabling the vete- 
rinary surgeon to maintain his character and position therein ; for 
I hold that he whose discourse is compressed within the contracted 
bounds of his daily vocation, would not prove the most eligible 
nor the most inviting companion for the man of refined taste ; nei- 
ther would he feel himself at ease in the society of men whose in- 
tellectual endowments have led them to range through the more 
flowery fields of general literature and polite learning. 
Finally, gentlemen, I may remark, that it is always with feelings 
of unalloyed pleasure that I anticipate these our annual gatherings. 
I consider them a boon to our profession. Upon these occasions 
we meet as brethren. A communion of mind may be said to pre- 
vail, and a singleness of purpose to animate all. Both at our 
yearly and hebdomadal meetings, all minor differences or petty 
jealousies (if any thing so ridiculous may be supposed to exist) 
are merged in the one grand object for which we assemble; — viz. 
the advancement and diffusion of veterinary science. A bond of 
union is formed, which, so long as it is preserved, will constitute 
our greatest security. 
By acting upon a solid fixed principle we ensure the prosperity 
of our undertaking. Without this precaution, we could expect 
neither compactness nor durability, and the whole superstructure 
would of necessity totter : on the other hand, while the foundation 
continues good, the parts depending upon it will be proportionably 
strengthened, and the whole fabric more firmly and securely knit 
together. Thus, gentlemen, you will perceive that increased know- 
ledge and union among ourselves are the key-stones upon which 
we have to depend for support. 
