FROM THE EXAMINING COMMITTEE. 
289 
ducted by persons capable of coming to a just decision—by those 
who perfectly understand the subject. It would be an insult to 
common sense, and an injustice to the party examined, if any but 
those who were masters of every point of principle and of practice 
were permitted to occupy the inquisitorial chair. 
What is the constitution then of the medical examining commit¬ 
tee of the Royal Veterinary College ? Do they perfectly understand 
the anatomy and diseases of the animals on which the candidate 
professes to practise ? Will their education, their enquiries, their 
opportunities, give them this knowledge ? In point of fact, do 
they possess it ? 
They are gentlemen who, as human physicians and surgeons, 
stand in high and just estimation. They are the pride of their 
own, and the admiration of neighbouring countries. They are 
men of deep science, and strict integrity. The medical pupil 
could not appear before a more competent or honourable board. 
But they are veterinary examiners. They have to decide .on 
the qualifications and attainments of veterinary pupils* They 
are to determine whether the treatment of the diseases of the horse 
and other domestic quadrupeds can be safely entrusted to these 
young men. 
Then it is as plain as the sun at noon-day, that, fairly to deter¬ 
mine this, they 5 be thoroughly acquainted with the symptoms 
of these diseases, the indications of cure, and the means of accom¬ 
plishing these indications. Well, then, we will take one of these 
gentlemen into our stable (let each of them as he reads apply it to 
himself): My horse is very ill,” we will say to him; he is off his 
feed, he shivers, he heaves, he paws : what is the matter with him ? 
Is it simple fever, or pneumonia, or enteritis, or nephritis? What 
shall I do with him ? What shall I give him ? Will he die or 
live ?”—Really, my dear sir, I don’t know. I don’t understand 
the diseases of horses. I can’t tell you any thing about it.”— 
Then, my good sir, who made you a veterinary examiner ? By 
what magic can you decide on the capacity and skill of the veteri¬ 
nary pupil ? or what right have you at that board ?” 
We would go on to address him, and let our examiners listen 
and reflect, and answer us as they can. You will acknow^- 
ledge to me, that the surgeon is not at all times.a fair judge of the 
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