INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
619 
Need I further dilate upon the importance of your chosen 
profession — veterinary medicine? In its largest sense, as 
I have already told you, it is humanity clothing itself 
with science, to minister to the health of the lower ani- 
mals. There is certainly something that bespeaks the Chris- 
tian in it. But coming down to its practical value, we 
find that the progress of civilization engenders in the 
domesticated animals, numerous maladies which in a state 
of nature they do not suffer from. Happily the civiliza- 
tion which generated the disease, has also produced the 
science to combat it. Thus veterinary medicine is of im- 
mense value, both to individuals and to the state ; and it 
will become increasingly so in proportion as you who merge 
into practice from this College have clear and extended views 
of hygienic and medical treatment ; in proportion also as 
you quit the old routine of practice, and lean upon scientific 
deductions ; and likewise, in proportion as you, by your 
general good conduct, win public opinion, and show to all 
who are possessed of valuable animals, that they have a 
satisfactory resource to look to for assistance in cases of 
emergency; namely, to a sober, diligent, careful, well-educated 
and practical veterinary surgeon. It was to supply this 
want, to create this public opinion, — in a word, to bring a 
definite form of veterinary science out of the chaos of old 
farriery, — that the Veterinary College was established, now' 
nearly three quarters of a century ago ; and we may con- 
fidently point to the result, to show that it has not been in- 
sufficient for this end, and not only so, but that it has kept 
pace with the requirements of the age. 
Since the College has existed, a race of professors has been 
created, not indeed a numerous one, but still claiming the 
veneration of many a practitioner in all parts of the world, 
Saint-Bel, Moorcroft, Coleman, Sewell, are names which 
will not pass away from among us so long as veterinary 
science exists. Again, since its foundation, a stream of 
educated veterinary surgeons has steadily issued from it, 
and every district of our country has been brought to 
know that science has extended its operations ; that hu- 
manity has supplanted barbarism ; and that a new class of 
useful members has entered the community, to act as con- 
servators of the national wealth. Again, since this College 
arose, the veterinary surgeon has become an officer of her 
Majesty's army, and in thus bearing her royal commission 
e state has acknowledged his services. 
Recently also, as you are aware, the members of our pro- 
sion have been called upon to go forth w r ith our army to 
are the chances of war, to gain their portion of credit and re- 
