INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
611 
art we can now see what the ancients could not, and 
perhaps, in this respect, as in many others, our grandsons 
may as much excel us as we have those who have gone before. 
One cf the first applications of the microscope was to 
anatomy, when a new world of wonders appeared to be dis- 
closed to the observer. Unwearied application on the part 
of microscopists, has enabled them to record many facts, 
till then unknown, and to exhibit the minute cell-work, and 
almost the ultimate structure, of the various parts of organized 
bodies ; and it is these things, which, being brought together 
in a compact form, constitute general anatomy. That is to 
say, not the anatomical configuration and relation of large 
and special parts to each other, but — if the term be allow- 
able — the infinitesimal constituents of the different organs. 
Certain general principles of structure, a universal con- 
stitution of cells, have been arrived at, and this deeper ocean 
of organization is beginning to have something like sound- 
ings. Although you may not be able at present to connect 
these discoveries in a palpable manner with practical 
veterinary surgery, yet you will feel great pleasure in 
ascertaining something about them, and in admiring the 
illimitable extent of the field of research thus opened to 
your view. But if anatomy, properly so-called, awakens 
scientific thought in reference to organization, it does not 
necessarily find there the beginning of disease, and although 
it may take you accurately to the spot where the disease 
exists, it fails to tell you what it is. This want is supplied 
by pathological anatomy, which may be said to examine the 
subject that has died of disease, explore the organ involved, 
and reveal the nature of the mischief or lesion. To your 
anatomical knowledge is thus added a knowledge of disease, 
and your mind is now enabled to take a more clear view of 
the original cause of the malady. Pathological anatomy in 
its turn is both special and general. 
After watching most sedulously the progress of cases during 
life, you will take every opportunity of investigating the effects 
of disease as revealed by post-mortem examinations. I would 
not have you measure the usefulness of these apparently recon- 
dite studies altogether by the direct fruits they yield in prac- 
tice. You may sometimes appear to obtain from pathological 
anatomy but little addition to your means of cure : but rest 
assured that all the divisions of science help each other. 
Remember that anatomical thought is enlightened by sight, 
and that it may contribute to bright ideas in practice without 
your even being aware of the process. 
Hitherto, however, we have only considered the subject in 
