38 MR. SEWELL’S INTRODUCTORY LECTURE, 1827. 
minor works. Lawrence’s will be found useful: but those who 
wish more particularly to study the geometrical proportions of 
the animal must read Bourgelat. Mr. Goodwyn’s is next: that 
gentleman published a system of shoeing, which he has had 
ample opportunities of proving at Carlton House Stables. The 
next is that of Mr. William Percivall, which those who are en¬ 
gaged in study will find a great acquisition : the First Part, I 
believe, is out of print at present; but it is to be hoped it will 
not be long before that gentleman publishes a second edition. 
Mr. John Lawrence has published a very useful work for such 
pupils as are not horse-men : he gives the different breeds and 
species of horses, and purposes for which they are used. Mr. 
Percivall’s Lectures, it must be added, contain all the physio¬ 
logy and diseases of the horse. 
Mr. Sewell, next, proceeded to state that he did not mean to 
confine himself to horses, but should extend his observations 
to sheep and cattle, as far as his knowledge of their diseases 
would permit him : it is a very useful branch of knowledge ; 
although there are some Veterinary Surgeons who will not 
undertake to practise it—He should also call their atten¬ 
tion to that branch of the science included under veterinary 
medical jurisprudence. Human medicine is practised in differ¬ 
ent branches ; but our profession never has, nor probably ever 
will be so divided : however, it is admitted that general prac¬ 
titioners form the most useful class in the country, and belong¬ 
ing to the same or a similar class may veterinarians consider 
themselves. 
We are often called on to perform operations on very differ¬ 
ent occasions from surgeons—operations originating in caprice 
—to give ornament; such as docking, nicking, cropping, 
8cc. also that very absurd practice of re-dockingy but lately in¬ 
troduced. Nicking is objectionable on the score of humanity. 
Firing used to be much and is still practised in some parts of 
the country; but it is falling fast out of use—giving way 
to a more rational and humane practice : Mr. S. has met with 
many who have relinquished it for what he calls the cooling 
treatment —reducing inflammation. Firing used to be perform¬ 
ed on young unbroke colts, on tlie same principle that our fore¬ 
fathers fired their wrists—to strengthen the sinews : but Mr. S. 
believes the practice is now^ exploded. Castration is another of 
this class of operations. There were and still exist persons who 
go about the country as cutters —gelding p^s and sheep, as well 
as horses: this, some veterinarians refuse to do on the score of 
the remuneration not being compensatory to the trouble and 
risk ; but they will attend the case should any untoward symp- 
