84 ON EXAMINATIONS FOR A VETERINARY DIPLOMA. 
already an indisposition has been evinced on the part of the con- 
stituted authorities to admit any interference in reference to the 
plan of veterinary education. But we are quite willing to believe 
that advice may not have been taken, because inopportunely if 
not improperly given. It is not radical change which is required, 
but gradual and pacific reforms. Durable good is not the result of 
casual or instantaneous influences, but can only be the consequence 
of wise and prudent measures, for the development of which time 
and unanimity are required. Accordingly, it is not a hasty change 
in the plan and nature of veterinary instruction which is to be anti- 
cipated or desired : but it is to be hoped that the Professors will 
steadily follow the path of improvement; not availing themselves 
of the miserable shelter afforded for the evasion of responsible 
duties by the despotic government of an institution, but devoting 
their talents and energies to the public good, with the sure convic- 
tion that by such conduct alone can durable repute be acquired. 
While I strongly advocate a more complete and extended system 
of examination than that to which candidates for a veterinary 
diploma have hitherto been subjected, I cannot too forcibly express 
a conviction that such a change can only be effected with real ad- 
vantage gradually, and by the concurrence of the teachers of vete- 
rinary science and the Council of the corporate body. This 
co-operation is indispensable, because the extension of the system 
of examination and of collegiate education are inseparably related 
to each other : the former must fail unless the latter progress ; and 
while the period and nature of the examination require modification, 
so do the period and nature of the veterinary education. Not only 
is much to be desired in the time already devoted to study at the 
veterinary colleges, but even the period of such study requires ex- 
tension. Two sessions of six months each are by far too limited 
time to complete a scientific education ; and a longer time must be 
devoted to study, in proportion as the instruction becomes more com- 
plete and perfect. 
In conclusion, we solicit the forbearance of our readers, if we 
have been more prolix than even we, at first, intended ; and of the 
Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and of the 
Professors at St. Pancras, if we have dared, thus early in life, 
to urge such palpable and important truths upon their notice. 
The evil was too evident to be allowed to continue undisturbed. 
It is the rising generation which is suffering from past mismanage- 
ment; and therefore every reasonable and prudent effort in their 
power should be directed, by the combined professors and legis- 
lators of the veterinary profession, to confer upon its rising mem- 
bers that which alone can render them useful, esteemed, and ho- 
noured, i. e. “ A Scientific Education.” 
J. S. Gamgee. 
London, 1 7th January, 1850. 
