620 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
nown ; and to plait fresh leaves into the chaplet of the laurels 
of victory. 
Since the same epoch, also, the East India Company — 
which has administered its rule over one eighth of the human 
race, and which in being now merged into the British 
government, sets with a grandeur like that of the full-orbed 
sun upon the horizon — has opened the ranks of its armies to 
our profession. Here too, veterinary surgeons have reaped 
the reward of the honest fulfilment of their duty, and many 
of them have added to the records of science the results 
of their experience in the several parts of that vast empire ; 
while some, alas, have given their lives a sacrifice to these 
investigations amid those burning and arid climes. The 
name of India, therefore, may be justly emblazoned upon the 
shield of the Veterinary College. 
I hope, then, that without presumption I may claim 
something for this institution, yea, I can truly say that much 
has been done by it for the public good. The creation of the 
first board of veterinary examiners in this country, in the 
formation of which we were largely indebted to many dis- 
tinguished menbers of the sister profession, was effected by 
the College. Circumstances are now, however, changed, 
and the authorities of the College are pleased to act 
with the * 6 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons/ 5 — the 
chartered body, — which Her Majesty has seen fit to endow 
with her royal privilege of incorporation, that veterinary 
science may take its rank with others in the realm. You 
will understand, therefore, that on the completion of your 
studies, you will be examined b} 7, the Court of Examiners 
instituted by the body corporate, whose diplomas can alone 
make you legal members of the profession. 
I do not consider professional politics a fitting theme for 
an introductory lecture, but I should be doing an injustice to 
my sentiments were I not to express the high honour I feel 
in having been elected the President of the corporation for 
the current year, and the great gratification it affords me to 
be enabled to state that I know of no cause which is likely to 
disturb the harmony which exists between the two institutions. 
The College is accredited on all hands ; and the temple of 
Janus is shut: the chartered body works with us; and the 
good of our profession is the guiding star which shines above 
our heads. Depend upon it, that so long as this harmony 
lasts, we shall rise in public estimation. So long as these 
bands of union are strengthened and tightened, our art will 
stand forth in bold relief, supplanting egotism, self-seeking 
honour, and professional discord. 
I may even venture to assert that the Governors view 
