370 
STRAY PAPERS ON 
should be well acquainted with those details which shall ennoble 
your conduct in the eyes of the world, promote good fellowship 
and good feeling among yourselves, and raise veterinary jurispru- 
dence from that gulph in which it is now enchained by the opinions 
of the veterinary profession itself 
In the medical profession you are perhaps aware much is expected 
from those who are aspirants to the rank of fellow members. It is 
required that they should be of good education, gentlemanly beha- 
viour, as much depends in after-life upon their moral conduct and 
general deportment while young. Advice has been laid down by 
some of the ablest men of that profession for the general benefit of 
the whole ; and in order to guard as much as possible against un- 
gentlemanly and disreputable proceedings, especial rules have been 
framed by some of their colleges, and an oath is required by the 
Edinburgh University before any one is admitted to his degree. 
After an invocation of the Deity, the graduate pronounces these 
words : “Turn porro artem medicam caute, caste, probeque ex- 
ercitaturum, et quoad potero omnia ad segrotorum corporum 
salutem conducentia cum fide procuraturum, qurn denique inter 
medendum visa vel audita silere convenit non sine gravi causa vul- 
gaturum. Ita prsesens spondentiadsitNumen!” “ To practise physic 
cautiously , chastely , and honourably, and faithfully to procure all 
things conducive to the health of the bodies of the sick ; and lastly, 
never, without great cause, to divulge any thing that ought to be 
concealed, which may be seen or heard during professional attend- 
ance. To this oath let God be witness.” 
In the rules for regulating the conduct of physicians, it is expressly 
stated, “ If many physicians be called to a patient, they are to con- 
sult with great modesty, and in the absence of witnesses or unpro* 
fessional persons. Nor shall any one prescribe or insinuate what 
is to be done to the sick, or by the attendants, before he has stated his 
method in consultation. But as medical men have different opi- 
nions, so that they may not agree in the plan of treatment, they 
are to conduct themselves with the greatest prudence and modera- 
tion, the ordinary attendant shall signify to the sick and attendants 
their dissension, so that it may appear as slightly disagreeable to the 
patient or his friends as possible.” 
These and many such like laws are found to be of great benefit. 
But it is not necessary for us to confine ourselves to facts like these 
in order to shew the great benefit it would be if we possessed within 
ourselves such laws as shall fit us for the important duties before 
us. There have been cases, and there are instances daily occurring, 
which prove that there is in veterinary science a want of an esta- 
blished code of veterinary medical ethics, and that the profession 
sustains great injury from the want of it. 
