307 
EDINBURGH VETERINARY SCHOOL, &C. 
sistance from either the great or the learned of this u first city in 
the world for arts”—this modern Athens—this great emporium, as 
it has been hitherto called, of medical science. We are apt, my 
dear sir, to entertain a somewhat too elevated notion of the im¬ 
portance of our profession; and because Vegetius has said “ Ars 
veterinaria post medicinam secunda est,” to flatter ourselves, that 
in this enlightened age, the nineteenth century, it ought to rank 
rather high. But whatever consideration we may think our art en¬ 
titled to, it is quite evident from what we see here, and it is hu¬ 
miliating to observe, that it not only falls far short of the estimate 
of many who have embarked in it, but that it absolutely seems 
to sink beneath the dignity of collegiate science. There is no 
room for Mr. Dick’s chair within the walls of the great, the proud 
University of Edinburgh. The elder sister appears to disown 
the relationship, or, secretly ashamed of the Cinderella, scarcely 
acknowledges the connexion. 
Here, then, even at the very head-quarters of medicine, ve¬ 
terinary surgery may be said to stand entirely upon its own bot¬ 
tom ; and it has to be tried by the measure of its own utility. It 
has not been taken in tow by the elder science—it has not expe¬ 
rienced the fostering care of academical honours—it lacks the 
polish and advantage of a ; gown—it presents rather a rough 
exterior, but still it seems to thrive. One could wish to see Mr. 
Dick’s lecture-room look somewhat less like the appendage of a 
forge ; but then he never has to lecture to “ empty benches.” He 
has a very considerable and yearly increasing class. The Edin¬ 
burgh school is entirely of his own creation ; and I am happy to 
see that he is likely to reap the fruits of his great perseverance, 
his zeal, and his talents. In the session just past there were 
young men not only from many parts of Scotland and the bor¬ 
ders, but also from the northern districts of England, and even 
Yorkshire, attending his course. Veterinary medicine may, 
therefore, be said, notwithstanding all the disadvantages it has 
laboured under, to have taken root in the northern metropolis ; 
and I know of nothing that is likely to check its growth, except, 
perhaps, the introduction and general use of steam carriages 
amongst this most calculating of all the calculating people of the 
British isles. 
I have said I could wish to see Mr. Dick’s lecture-room savour 
somewhat less of the forge ; and I am sure he will excuse what I 
say, as it is all intended in fair candour and friendship. But I 
think if he were to attach a little more importance to external 
appearance, to attend a little more to effect, it would give the 
thing greater weight and credit in the public eye. 
You may fancy to yourself a room of no very great dimensions 
