260 
THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
gentlemen who have attempted to overcome the difficulties, but at 
present I cannot recollect an exception to the rule. Such being 
the case, and the fact being so established, I cannot comprehend 
the reason why the gentlemen who seem to be most disqualified 
should be required to attend the shorter period to their studies. I 
know much of the physiology of man applies to brutes. The ana- 
tomy of the one animal is not, perhaps, very different from that of 
those creatures which are immediately below him. The pathology 
is greatly similar, and the drugs employed in both cases are the 
same. Yet the habits are not alike — the developments are not 
parallel — the symptoms are adverse, and the doses are opposed. 
The principles are united ; but in their application they are wide 
asunder. He who leaving one pursuit would embrace the other, 
may have learned much ; but he also has acquired habits and 
modes of thought which he will find it almost impossible to dis- 
card. He may enter on the task theoretically prepared to master 
it, but he soon discovers that the preparation gives him no advan- 
tage. Disappointed of the assistance which the answers to his 
inquiries afforded, and deprived of those reliances on which he has 
been tutored to depend, he soon becomes confused, and abandons 
his new profession, not because he could not learn, but because he 
was unable to forget. 
Could it be possible to enrol among the veterinary profession the 
names of gentlemen who by their writings contribute so largely to 
its advancement, every member of our body would rejoice. Of that, 
however, there is little hope : it would be folly to expect it. The 
respectable desire to assist ; but they are not eager to be classed 
amongst us. They are our superiors; and, as such, I feel no 
shame to acknowledge them. On scientific grounds we labour to 
be equal ; but in social position we are inferior. To offer a phy- 
sician worthy of the name a veterinary diploma is ridiculous — • 
to ask a surgeon to resign the lancet for the drawing-knife, is ob- 
viously a folly. Apothecaries would not find it profitable to quit 
the chamber for the stable. As a class we are poorly estimated, 
and even more lowly paid. We have neither wealth nor dignity 
to tempt the prudent to come amongst us : there may, perhaps, be 
some few who might desire any change. In every profession 
there are to be found those who by misfortune or imprudence have 
been rendered reckless. The cause may be regretted, but the 
condition it induces is not to be admired. Such might find an 
easy entrance to the veterinary art a welcome refuge ; but against 
their admission 1 protest. Humble as we are, we have yet a cha- 
racter to maintain. I protest against our profession being made 
the refuge of the desperate or debased. Low as we are we have 
yet some pride. I protest against our profession being made a 
