546 REMARKS ON UNCERTIFICATED PRACTITIONERS. 
viceable to the profession at large ; inasmuch as it has already 
healed many an angry sore, and is one step in the right course 
towards putting a stop to the feud and strife for which the vete- 
rinary profession has of late been proverbial. Mr. Cherry will in 
future be looked up to as a man in whom the profession may safely 
repose the most implicit confidence. The sentiments of such a man 
will always have their proper weight, and be productive of real 
good; whilst those of the prejudiced, who indulge in uncalled-for 
remarks upon uncertificated practitioners, are calculated to do 
much harm to the cause they attempt to advocate. When I say 
“ uncertificated practitioners,” I do not allude to the quacks and 
unprincipled pretenders with whom some would fainly confound 
them. But I allude principally to that numerous, practical, and 
generally talented class who have served apprenticeships, and at- 
tended the Veterinary College, but have never offered themselves 
at the Examiners’ board, for reasons that did not depend so much 
upon themselves as upon the bad system then existing at the St. 
Pancras School. Now, this class of practitioners, who, as Mr. 
Cherry justly observes, “ want but the form to place them on a 
par with the best of us, and whose addition to our body corporate 
would do honour to it,” ought to be looked upon as victims of a 
past bad system ; and, as such, are entitled to the same indulgence 
and favourable consideration at the hands of the Council as was 
received by those who practised medicine prior to the Apothecaries’ 
Act receiving the sanction of the legislature. If the same just 
principle be now acted upon, the profession may rest assured of the 
co-operation of those who would much rather impart their profes- 
sional knowledge through the medium of The Veterinarian, 
than have to contend with their neighbours in the shape of paper- 
wars : a conflict, however unpleasant, which would undoubtedly 
take place in all parts of the kingdom, and which would break out 
afresh at intervals, until at length the public would become dis- 
gusted with both parties. That registration is absolutely requisite 
all parties agree : but it is hoped that such will be carried out in a 
manner calculated not to bring any parties into collision ; other- 
wise, many, who recommend a proceeding hitherto unprecedented, 
may have occasion to regret what they now so rashly advocate. 
The all importance of the subject may be, I hope, a sufficient 
excuse for my trespassing so much on your valuable columns. 
I am, Sir, 
Your very obedient servant. 
Walsall, Sept. 12, 1848. 
