462 PROFESSOR Coleman's introductory lecture* 
a comparative anatomist. He must be acquainted with the strut*- 
ture of the horse, the ox, the sheep, the swine, and the dog. 
If we select the stomach of these animals, so different in struc¬ 
ture and in susceptibility to medical agency, what beautiful illus¬ 
trations of comparative anatomy do we possess, and what unan¬ 
swerable proofs of the propriety of the professor’s most important 
doctrine, that our practice must be founded on careful experience, 
and not deduced from analogical inference. 
We beg leave to assure the veterinary pupil, that the most dili¬ 
gent study of the structure of all his patients is an imperative duty. 
The considemtion of the difference of structure in different parts, -, 
and the difference of function depending on that difference of 
structure, and the structure and function suited to the situation 
and wants of the animal, will unfold to him the most pleasing• 
and sublime views of the design and adaptations of infinite power 
and wisdom and goodness; and, to adopt the language of an ex¬ 
cellent writer (Mr. Lawrence), the . basis of our physiological 
principles will be rendered broader and deeper, in proportion as our 
survey ofliving beings is more extensive. The varieties of organiza¬ 
tion supply, in the investigation of each function, the most important 
aids of analogy, comparison, contrast, and various combination, 
and the nature of the process receives at each step fresh elucida¬ 
tion. These enlarged views, which unfold to us the natural play 
of the animal mechanism, are our surest guide in the study , of its 
deranged motions, an essential criterion for estimating the nature 
and the degree of the deviation, and an important indication of 
the means by which it may be corrected. Thus geneial anatomy 
and physiology furnish the principles by which we are guided in 
our attempts to preserve health, to alleviate and remove disorder, 
and cure disease.” 
'fhere was another subject on which Mr. Coleman used to descant 
in his introductory lecture, viz. the comparative success, in the 
veterinary profession, of those who had been previously medically 
educated, and the sons of farriers. The sons of farriers, he used . 
to say, make the best practitioners, and medical men the worst. - 
We always regarded this comparison as perfectly uncalled for. 
When the professor was for the first time addressing his pupils,- 
and th*^ mpression which he made on their minds was probably^ 
