6 
ADVICE TO VETERINARY STUDENTS. 
time as possible to physiology, the immediate causes of the fatal 
termination of diseases will, in most cases, be explained. 
He should make it a point of great interest and importance to 
study the early history of diseases, their causes and their course. 
It is a circumstance of the utmost practical importance, to be able 
to recognize a disease ; it being generally one of the questions first 
asked — “ What is the illness of my horse I” The general appear- 
ance of the animal, the peculiar modification, the particular combi- 
nation of the symptoms, give a character to the whole disease, and 
guide the attentive practitioner in forming an opinion as to its pro- 
bable result. But it is a fact, well known to all familiar with the 
treatment of disease, that many disorders (even those the presence 
of which is commonly indicated by well-marked symptoms) will, 
in particular cases, present throughout the whole or great part of 
their course a material deficiency or total absence of their usual 
external character, and are frequently concealed from observation. 
Considering the importance of this subject, in a practical point 
of view, especially to those just entering upon their professional ca- 
reer, it may be added, that it certainly has not hitherto received that 
systematic attention to which it has an undoubted claim. In ordi- 
nary practice, every observant veterinarian is liable to be taken 
unawares by the sudden development of the symptoms of diseased 
action long dormant in the system, and secretly advanced beyond 
the reach of a remedy. There are many diseases which may exist 
for a long time, and even advance so far as to cause injury to 
organs essential to life, without seriously incommoding the animal, 
and without occasioning death. 
This may, perhaps, in some cases excuse the conflicting evi- 
dence on veterinary jurisprudence which we receive from many of 
the leading practitioners in our profession; but we must all deeply 
deplore the want of some better established principles, as an appeal 
to that law which shall alone constitute the term “ soundness.” 
Many students, to whose consideration I would recommend these 
observations, are doubtless destined to pursue their profession in the 
army; and much depends upon their own acquirements and conduct, 
whether they are raised to that position to which they are entitled 
by the commission they hold. Every commissioned officer is re- 
garded as a gentleman, and general information and refinement of 
mind are the characteristics by which he should be distinguished. 
Many so circumstanced may be called upon to serve in India, the 
colonies, or foreign lands ; and will it not be of advantage to possess 
that scientific information which will enable them to reap the benefit 
of the change, and, at the same, time be fit companions for the 
society of all who are distinguished by general knowledge. He 
that speaks only of such subjects as are familiar to himself, treats 
