82 ON EXAMINATIONS FOR A VETERINARY DIPLOMA. 
In the half hour which remains after the pupil has been exa- 
mined in anatomy and chemistry, his knowledge is tested in pa- 
thology, as applicable to the horse, ox, and other domesticated ani- 
mals ; the anatomical peculiarities of the latter being at the same 
time made the subject of consideration. Premising that the exa- 
miners in these departments deservedly occupy the foremost rank 
in the veterinary profession, it is equally true, that, to test the can- 
didate’s theoretical and practical knowledge in those branches, the 
time allotted for examination is not sufficient. To presume that 
such a number of questions as are calculated to test the student’s 
proficiency in the anatomical characteristics of ruminant and carni- 
vorous animals, and in the nature, symptoms, and treatment of one 
or more of the diseases to which they and the horse are liable, can be 
put and answered in thirty minutes, is an improbable hypothesis. 
Should it be argued that, at the College of Surgeons, gentlemen are 
submitted to only one hour’s examination, and therefore that time 
should be amply sufficient at our Board ; it can be replied, that the 
whole hour is in that case devoted to anatomy, physiology, and 
surgery ; and though a man may honourably acquit himself on 
these points, he is not allowed to practise medicine and surgery, 
and to dispense the necessary medicaments, until he has been exa- 
mined on medicine, chemistry, materia medica, botany, &c., at 
Apothecaries’ Hall ; at which institution power is vested in the 
examiners to extend the examination to an unlimited time, until 
such time as the candidate shall have given proof of his general 
proficiency. 
But there are other points on which the candidate for a diploma 
should be tested by the veterinary surgeons of the Examining 
Committee : I allude to the principles and practice of the art of 
shoeing; and to that important subject, “ Examination as to Sound- 
ness.” To include these, time certainly will not permit; and, yet, 
who will deny their importance ] With regard to the former sub- 
ject, some persons may urge, that a man devoted to science cannot 
be supposed to be the practised farrier. But I do not wish that 
such should be the case ; however much it may be desirable that 
every veterinary student, at the completion of his studies, should 
be well acquainted with the principles of shoeing, and, by close 
attendance to a forge, have become acquainted with the peculiari- 
ties of shoes applicable in different kinds of lameness ; and be able 
himself not only to suggest, but to carry into execution, such 
measures as may be devised to relieve the animal’s sufferings in 
cases of emergency. Lamenesses are, on the whole, more nume- 
rous than any other forms of disease for which the veterinary sur- 
geon’s aid is sought, and they are, perhaps, the most tedious and 
difficult to treat ; and unless the practitioner be able to treat with 
