146 
A REPLY TO W. J. G. 
fessors it progresses in any thing like a similar ratio, it will have 
proved a fortunate and rapidly perfected profession, I think 
without presumption may be said. 
W. J. G. says “ex uno disce omnes,” and points to Mr. 
Coleman taking twenty guineas from a “bell-hanging, sauce¬ 
pan-making, smiths’ work in general” fellow, and allowing him to 
enter at the college. Such a veterinary surgeon may be to be 
found; but I should be sorry to drag him per force forward; 
and the inference sought to be founded is invidious. This sort of 
thing were best left alone by those who sincerely and purely seek 
the elevation and improvement of the profession. It is to be 
solicitous to look only through the inverting or distorting end of 
the glass. Professors neither of human nor veterinary medicine 
have the power of rejecting any pupil who can pay his fees. 
Formerly, it may be objected, the diploma was too speedily and 
easily obtained, thereby encouraging individuals to come forward 
of very unfit qualifications. It may have been so; but let us 
not forget, that formerly there was an urgent and unprovided-for 
demand in all quarters for practitioners; and, even admit that the 
acquirements of some were more scanty than were to be wished, 
still the general result was, to explode ignorance and barbarism 
in all directions, and the basis of the present superstructure was 
forming. Whoever may be at the head of the veterinary insti¬ 
tution cannot select from among those who come forward as 
pupils ; but now the period of study is lengthened, and the exami¬ 
nation to be undergone detailed and strict, and very properly; 
and I doubt not the inclination and feeling at the Veterinary 
College is to strictly adhere to the regulation in regard to a pro¬ 
longed attendance; or, even if deemed advantageous to the pro¬ 
fession, to extend the period as now fixed. This is the only 
practicable mode of keeping back candidates for the profession of 
unbeseeming qualifications. But at the present I will not further 
extend my observations; but conclude with remaining The 
Veterinarian’s sincere admirer and well-wisher, a 
V. S. 
P-B-, Scotland, ^ 
February 15, 1832. S 
REMARKS ON THE TREATMENT OF OPEN JOINTS. 
By Mr. W. Simpson, V. S. 
During my pupilage at the Veterinary College I was in the 
constant habit of witnessing cases of open joint treated in a man¬ 
ner that appeared to me peculiarly unscientific and unsuccessful: 
