VETERINARY PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS, 
7 
constant light to the traveller seeking information in this un¬ 
cultivated province of science. For want of talent or educa¬ 
tion ; means or opportunity; zeal or industry; or from the sa¬ 
crifice of every qualification and facility for something more 
substantial than professional reputation, have our fields of 
science, though fertile in themselves, remained so unproductive. 
The Art might, at least, by this time have been placed upon 
a sure and firm basis—Anatomy might have been fully and 
correctly learnt and taught—Physiology might have been much 
advanced—Pathology must have kept pace. With all which, 
the Profession, as well as the Art, might have gained much— 
some of its Members might have occupied very different sta¬ 
tions, and all might have had other relations to society in gene¬ 
ral than they have at present: but it is impossible to say what 
might have resulted; and it can only give rise to feelings of 
dissatisfaction mingled with pain to turn the mind into such a 
train of reflections. 
The deficiencies in the annals of Veterinary Literature have 
determined us to turn our attention to what is past, while we note 
the transactions of the present day; and we shall enter upon this 
retrograde inquiry not only in expectation of bringing to light 
much valuable matter now reposited in the private records of 
individuals, or only known within their circle of professional ac¬ 
quaintance, but in hopes of reviving impressions the elapse 
of time may have rendered faint in their minds, and even of 
rescuing some that may be hurrying into irretrievable oblivion. 
This retrospect will enable us also to look into the works of such 
writers as have acquired more or less reputation in the annals of 
farriery ; in certain of which, though they be seldom mention¬ 
ed in our days, we shall find much well deserving revision. 
The old continental writers will also come in for their share of 
attention. 
There is one consideration in particular which the educated 
Veterinarian ought never to banish from his thoughts; and 
that is, that he never can succeed as a practitioner unless he 
possess a certain quantum of what is vulgarly, but impro- 
