280 ON THE VETERINARY EXAMINING COMMITTEE. 
visable—more advantageous altogether to the pupil—that veteri¬ 
nary members should be added to the medical committee than that 
the latter should be abolished. The name of Sir Astley Cooper to a 
pupil’s diploma is of itself a host; and were that name, and such ano¬ 
ther or two, backed by the names of those who are now well known 
as eminent veterinary surgeons, I should say that the certificate of 
qualification was as perfect as in these times we could make it. 
What, therefore, I would beg to propose, is, that a certain num¬ 
ber of veterinary surgeons be elected into the present Examining 
Committee ; and then, if you should still persist in examining your 
own pupils yourself, why, it will be done under that kind of veteri¬ 
nary surveillance which will render it considerably less matter of 
snspicion than it is at present. 
There is one other reason—of less weight than the former, but 
still not to be overlooked—why veterinary surgeons should have 
seats on the Examining Committee; and that is one suggested by 
Mr. Travers’ admirable sentiments, that our profession, having at¬ 
tained rank and character, both in science and practice, has now 
fairly become entitled ‘‘ to all honours and emoluments thereunto 
belonging.” Heaven knows, our “ honours and emoluments” are 
scanty enough; but by admitting a certain number of us into the 
Examining Committee, they might to that extent be augmented : it 
can be no honour to such medical men as are at present on the com¬ 
mittee to be there; but by us it would be so regarded, and as such 
might prove to a degree a stimulus or spur to help flagging or 
emulous minds on in their professional career. 
With these observations, for the present, my dear Sewell, I 
shall take my leave of you, trusting you will receive them in the 
spirit in which they are penned, namely, the advancement of that 
science which we both pursue, and the welfare and aggrandize¬ 
ment of that profession of which you are a Professor and the 
subscriber but a humble member. 
William Percivall, M.R.C.S., 
Veterinary Surgeon 1st Regiment of Life Guards. 
Since writing the above, I have received a kind communication 
from Sir A. Cooper, informing me that it is the opinion of the 
