THK KDITOR. 
577 
by what Mr. Horsburgh truly designates as the worst spirit that 
can actuate the human mind — revenge. Away with the thought 
of degradation like this ! 
We would wish, in future, that our best medical writers should 
be taken as our guides. The causes and symptoms of disease 
stated, if necessary, somewhat at length ; the mode of treatment 
always satisfactory, so far as general principles go ; and the cha- 
racter and intent of the agents of cure, although perhaps but sel- 
dom their combinations or their doses : but a serious considera- 
tion of these points will occupy the leading article of the next 
number. 
ACCOUNT OF THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY 
MEDICINE IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE. 
By M. J. Lacoste, M.V., Caen. 
SMITHS, FARRIERS, GELDERS, &C. 
[Veterinary empiricism in the south of France has long been 
a source of bitter and just complaint among the regular practi- 
tioners; and it has been the more galling, since well-instructed 
surgeons are to be found in or near every town. From the 
first establishment of veterinary schools in France the pupils 
have been well founded in the anatomy, physiology, and medi- 
cal treatment of every domesticated animal ; and yet empirics 
have abounded in every village — so difficult is it to destroy the 
empire of superstition and knavery. 
The history which M. Lacoste gives is a very singular, 
amusing, but perfectly degrading one. He, in common with 
all his brethren, deeply feels the injustice which is done; and 
we ardently hope that his expose will produce some good effect. 
Charlatanism has degradingly prevailed in many districts of 
our country ; not attributable so much to superstition, as to 
the total neglect of the means of instruction. Half a century 
passed and the education of the veterinary surgeon was con- 
fined to the diseases and treatment of one patient only; and 
he, noble as he is in his nature, and valuable on account of 
the services which he renders, yet, in the aggregate, far from 
being the most useful. It could hardly have been conceived 
to be possible that the agriculturist should slumber for so many 
years inattentive to his own and the national welfare; but now 
that he is beginning to be awake to that which so nearly con- 
cerns him, let him no longer be deluded by vain pretensions 
or inefficient measures, but assist in carrying into effect that 
which the ardent and patriotic founders of the College had con- 
templated — the legitimate and scientific practice of the veto- 
