THE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
625 
will he repair the machine unless he perfectly understands its 
construction ? There is scarcely a disease, there is certainly no 
operation, in which accurate anatomical knowledge will not only 
be useful, but absolutely necessary. 
Begin, I say too, with the bones. Study their precise form — 
their relative situation and connexion — the mechanical advantage 
or disadvantage with which they act — the plain and almost in- 
numerable instances of the former, and the important benefits 
which are conferred by every apparent deviation from the strict 
rules of mechanics. 
Then, understanding the bony structure of the machine, apply 
to it the admirable arrangement of cords, and pullies, and hinges. 
Fully master each organ and limb as you proceed. Your 
subjects are easily procured — they are not expensive — they are 
not offensive or dangerous ; and no excuse can be made for you, 
if you neglect that, without the knowledge of which you will be 
mere pretenders. But I will not enter farther into this, lest 
I should appear more of an unwelcome and somewhat imperti- 
nent intruder than an anxious friend. 
There is one circumstance new, and delightful, to think of — 
you will have it in your power to become members of an Asso- 
ciation intimately connected with your improvement and the 
welfare and onward progress of the veterinary profession. The 
former meetings of the students were pleasing and useful ; but 
there were serious drawbacks. The pupil was not qualified to 
treat or to judge of many a subject that came under considera- 
tion. How many principles have I heard promulgated and vio- 
lently defended, which the speaker, a few years afterwards, would 
blush to think that he could ever have believed ! — how many 
notions, founded on careless observation and hearsay evidence, 
which he will be compelled painfully yet decidedly to disavow 
in after-life ! The practitioner has also his erroneous notions, and 
his violent prejudices, and he would be inclined to lead you some- 
what astray — but there are others who sit on the same bench with 
himself, who will speedily correct every material error, and, from 
the collision of opinion among competent men, truth to a very 
important extent must be elicited. I hardly know how to 
