616 
NTRODCJCTORY ADDRESS. 
chemicals and drugs, a treaty of peace was expected to be 
signed in the stomach between the patient and the disease. 
But at present, simpler methods prevail, and the study of 
the action of drugs is more likely to be promoted, when there 
are not twenty possible substances, to each of which the 
effect, or the cure, might be attributed. Following in the same 
track, smaller quantities of medicinal agents are administered, 
and I cannot but think that this diminution of doses has 
correct physiological reasons to back it. Diseases arise from 
disturbances in the equilibrium of the bodily functions, 
and pharmaceutical means have therefore rather to exert 
an influence of restoration, than to operate as dead weights 
to the cure. In the same way, a gradual reversion of 
opinion with regard to bleeding has been going on ; and 
the reckless resort to it, in almost all cases, is now very 
generally condemned. Thus you will And, upon studying 
the history of your profession, that veterinary medicine 
and surgery have gone along and kept pace with other 
departments of science ; that greater humanity prevails 
than heretofore ; that there is more common sense em- 
ployed, and less hurry exhibited for effects, there being a 
considerable addition to the stock of scientific patience, and 
also a greater reliance now upon general measures, which 
were almost entirely neglected, and their value unknown, 
until of late date. 
In nothing is our profession more humane than in those 
things which constitute hygiene, or the laws and cir- 
cumstances that relate to the preservation of health. The 
most easy and obvious of all means for the maintenance of 
the health of animals, were not until recently understood, 
or if so, were ill applied. 
Cleanliness, drainage, ventilation, and judicious dieting, 
now receive their full appreciation, as being the most 
effectual methods we possess for the prevention and cur- 
tailment of disease. These things, too near the eye to be 
seen in past ages, are equivalent in their grand simplicity to 
an entire sanitary pharmacopoeia ; and they must be 
especially dear to all those who are the friends of the horse, 
and have the comforts connected with that noble animal in 
their thoughts. Cleanliness, air, and light are the necessary 
stimuli of the bodily functions. These are gradually being 
introduced into the stables of the rich, as well as into the 
humble cottages of the poor, and it is to be hoped that every 
one who possesses a horse will in time find out that his best 
interests consist in furnishing his stable with these primor- 
dial requirements of the healthy living organism. 
