THE 
VETERINARIAN. 
VOL. XXXI, 
No. 362. 
FEBRUARY, 1858. 
Fourth Series, 
No. 38. 
ON DEODORIZERS AND DISINFECTANTS. 
There are few agents that more admirably show the 
advantages resulting from an acquaintance with the prin- 
ciples of Chemistry than the above: in fact, the differ- 
ence in action between them can only be explained by a 
reference to the well-known laws of that science. 
A very erroneous opinion is entertained by some prac- 
titioners of veterinary medicine that it is not their duty, 
neither is it to their interest, to prevent the spread of con- 
tagious diseases, whether existing as Enzootics or Epizootics. 
With such we fear the dulcis odor lucri has steeped their senses 
in forgetfulness as to the claims which both their profession 
and the public have upon them; for narrow indeed, and 
sellish must that mind be, which could for one moment 
harbour the thought with satisfaction and approval. Alike 
philanthropy and science repudiate and condemn it. Such 
persons, at any rate, must have forgotten the Roman maxim : 
“ Publicum bonum privato est praeferendum.” 
What, we would ask, has given to veterinary medicine its 
present position and estimation? Surely the ability pos- 
sessed by its followers to trace effects up to their causes, and 
then to counteract the existing evils by the timely use of 
those agents the operation of which is dependent upon 
scientific principles. 
The rightly educated practitioner, on the outburst of a 
malady, immediately institutes close and pertinent inquiries 
into the nature of the food the animals have been partaking 
of ; and if housed, or even otherwise, into the character of the 
air they have been breathing. And here it is that chemistry 
steps in, and by developing the bane, at once presents the 
antidote. 
XXXI. 
9 
