ON MEDICAL CHEMISTRY. 
15 
similar circumstances. My earnest advice, then, to the young pupil 
is, so to arrange his studies that each division may have its due 
share of attention. This is imperative upon you, because, as I 
have already observed, the time of your residence at the College 
is far too short, considering that during it you are to acquire those 
principles which are to govern your future practice, and not one 
of which is to be forgotten or slighted. 
The most that any establishment can do is to inculcate prin- 
ciples. It is idle to talk of not being able to gain a practical 
knowledge of our profession either here or elsewhere; for this 
can only be the result of experience. 
Sedulously, then, endeavour to be in possession of principles; 
for after you have gained them, although you may not, at first, 
manifest the expertness which older heads and hands do in detect- 
ing disease, and applying the required remedy, yet you will be 
always able to assign a good and sufficient reason for the plan of 
treatment which you have adopted, and every thing else will 
follow as a natural consequence. And not alone, as it refers to 
your employers or your practice, will it be found that the acquisi- 
tion of sound principles is advantageous ; but, Gentlemen, you have 
a right to associate with the scientific and medical world; and, if 
you are true to yourselves and to the profession of which you will 
form a part, you will do so. Then will be manifested and felt by 
you the benefits which result from an acquaintance with correct 
principles. Contrast with this your feelings if, when among medical 
men, you are unable to join in scientific conversation, or to enter 
into a discussion with them on matters with which you ought to be 
peculiarly conversant. Therefore, if you value yourselves, and the 
estimation in which you may be held, do not be content with getting 
just as much information as will enable you to obtain your diplo- 
mas — the very bane of the education of the student at the present 
day — but be chiefly solicitous to obtain those sterling principles on 
which your practice and your reputation may securely rest. 
Rapid, of late years, has been the march of the mind ; unex- 
pected, and almost incredible, the improvements which have been 
made in every science ; and incalculable is the good which must 
ultimately result from this. Let it not be said that the veterinary 
art alone advances not — that its students, and its practitioners, and 
its teachers, are content to allow it to remain stationary, and 
consequently to become contemned — that among all the sons she 
has brought forth there are none to guide her onwards in the 
career of improvement; but, both by your deportment and your 
attainments, invest the science with such a halo of light as shall 
cause it to be observed and admired by a discerning public. 
Although man is proudly designated the lord of the creation, 
