46 
THE IM P RO V IL M ENT 
the theory and treatment of some of the most serious diseases to 
which our quadruped patients are exposed, is sufficiently evident. 
As contributing to the more perfect knowledge of anatomy, 
natural and morbid, and as illustrating some important points of 
physiology, mention should be made of Mr. Anderson’s account 
of carcinomatous enlargements of the spleen—Mr. C. Clark on 
the uses of the infundibulum and canalis vasiferus in the foot of 
the horse—and Mr. Dick, on the functions of the omentum. 
Mr. Apperley’s Contribution on Cataract, and Mr. Berry’s 
History of the Caesarean Operation, rank among the proudest 
testimonies of the progress of our art. When men like these will 
ally themselves with us, veterinary science is beginning to be 
estimated as it ought. 
This is a review of the proceedings of one year—not in the 
slightest degree exaggerated—and which cannot fail of delighting 
those who have the improvement and the reputation of their pro¬ 
fession at heart. Thanks, kind friends I A few more such 
volumes as the last, and the eventual accomplishment of our 
noble object will not only be assured, but it will have been 
substantially effected. 
But has the march of improvement been confined to the exer¬ 
tions of individual labourers? No ! No! ! Let us turn to our 
schools. The Professor of the Veterinary College at St. Pancras 
has advertised—publicly pledged himself—that his lectures shall 
comprise the general functions of all domesticated animals. The 
Assistant Professor has placarded the theatre to the same pur¬ 
pose; and has also “ publicly pledged himself” that his lec¬ 
tures shall embrace the diseases of all domesticated animals. 
These instructions must consist of no application of theory, good 
or bad, to cases which the lecturer has never seen—no random 
gleanings, here and there, from sources the authenticity of 
which has not been satisfactorily examined—and thrown hastily 
together to answer the purpose of the moment:—they must be 
the result of personal observation, and of deep and anxious 
thought; for, as another professor, in another theatre—that of 
politics—has lately and truly said, and by which he, also, must 
stand or fall, I have the firmest conviction that confidence 
cannot be secured by any other course than that of frank and 
