VETERINARY REFORM. 
581 
1820, with w r e believe only one exception, were passed veterinary 
surgeons: and what was the consequence? Every leading and 
influential member of the profession retired from a contest that 
endangered their honour, and the cause in which they had em¬ 
barked, and the meeting w r as any thing but what it ought to 
have been, and every thing that could possibly mar the plans it 
professed to have in view. The result of that meeting* is too 
fresh in the memory of those who wish well to the profession, to 
permit them soon to trust themselves again in such an arena. 
We confess that we are very much disposed to listen to the 
excellent advice of “ A Stander-by,” in our July number. He 
is quoting* from Mr. Percivall: “ So long as the profession is made 
up of such an heterogeneous mass, it is impossible that its mem¬ 
bers can harmonize and amalgamate. It can only be when 
respectability and education shall be found to be universally dif¬ 
fused among us, that any thing like professional harmony can 
exist, or,” he adds, “ the objects at which we aim be secured ” 
We are unwilling to lose future good by attempting that which is 
at present beyond our reach. 
The education of the student is improving—Its period is 
lengthening—It is becoming less easy for those to creep in 
among us who have been the cause of our debasement; and 
there is a strong public feeling arising, which they who have so 
far departed from the original design of the Veterinary College 
are unconsciously promoting. The pertinacious exclusion of 
veterinary surgeons from the examiners’ board—the exclusion of 
them even as subscribers—the exclusion of them from army 
appointments when they are men of education, and particularly 
medical education—these things speak volumes: they are making 
their impression where we would have that impression made, 
and the result is neither doubtful nor distant. 
VOL. III. 
4 i 
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