76 PAST AND present STATE OF VETERINARY SCIENCE. 
association, from the times of darkness to light, has been pro¬ 
ductive of substantial good? It was from an associaton of 
men of like mind that the establishment of a veterinary college 
was determined upon and is maintained. It was from an asso¬ 
ciation of students that many an important fact in pathology was 
drawn out—many a presumptuous man humbled, and many a 
timid aspirant in veterinary science taught confidence in himself. 
It was from an association of talented individuals, that a veterinary 
periodical was established ; and it is by them, in some degree, 
maintained. It was from a similar association that a veterinary 
club was formed. It was from such an association that, in the 
year 1836, a society was formed, composed of men of diffe¬ 
rent standing in the profession, but having one paramount object 
in view, and which ought to be especially dear to the heart of 
every sincere member of his profession; viz. the advancement 
of veterinary science. The good effects of this society are 
already visible. I refer to its proceedings during the last year, 
and the inducement which is now held out by it to every prac¬ 
titioner to contribute his share to the enlargement of veterinary 
knowledge, as a testimony to the truth of the foregoing remark. 
That it may long live to promote its grand object, and to honour 
the profession by its consistent and praiseworthy proceedings, is 
the sincere wish of my heart. Let every sincere friend to it say. 
So be it.” 
Before proceeding to the third remark, I would fain observe 
the pleasing prospect there is before the profession, that the sub¬ 
stance of these remarks will at no distant period be carried into 
execution ; and an extended importance given to those improve¬ 
ments already in operation. Every day’s events press this feeling 
upon us. The hostility, the rancour, and the violence which dis¬ 
turbed the profession at one time, has died away, and men have had 
a calm leisure to think over those things which will never be accom¬ 
plished by clamour. Prejudices begin to give way ; truth and 
justice begin to assert their sway; and error, with its garb of 
sophistry, perishes beneath her influence. 
I proceed to remark, thirdly, that, as veterinary science has 
been promoted and upheld by the respectability of many of her 
members, it is incumbent upon all to shew to the world by their 
character, example, and influence, that we aim at that station 
in society which her sister science enjoys. 
What has been her station in society until within the last few 
years ? At one time in the hands of blacksmiths, now of 
professional men. And, although there is nothing in itself 
disreputable, but rather otherwise, in alleviating the pains and 
sufferings of poor dumb animals, intended by a beneficent Creator 
for our use ; althougli it requires more tact and discrimination 
