REMARKS ON THE CHARTER AND BY-LAWS. 
277 
practice the greater part of his life should not be admitted to an 
examination, if not special, at any rate after attending one session. 
Mr. Cox speaks of some parties with much disdain ; but I think as 
regards some of those quacks and pretenders to whom Mr. C. 
refers as having been imposing upon the public for a period of ten, 
twenty, or thirty years, they would probably baffle the skill of very 
many of the graduates; therefore, as 1 said before, I do not see 
why they should not be admitted, supposing they had served an 
apprenticeship, and been several years in practice for themselves, 
and by that means to have acquired a sufficient knowledge to 
become duly qualified. Nor can I see, as has already been ob¬ 
served by one writer, what difference it would make to the 
Council or any other party, about the period of study at either of 
the schools, supposing the abilities of the candidates were tested 
before their entry. If some of the pretenders were allowed an 
examination, either special or after having attended one session at 
College, I think the Council would not do much wrong ; and they, 
together with the Board of Examiners, would manufacture some 
better vets, than has been done; since it is not the man that has 
the most money who has the most sense; and it was a saying of 
Professor Coleman’s, that “ Farriers’ sons and grooms made the 
best veterinary surgeons.” I think there are many who would 
submit to undergo an examination, were it not that the time that 
is required for them to leave their home and practice is a difficulty 
which is not easily overcome. I should myself, although I have 
done and can do very well without it; for I served an apprentice¬ 
ship, and have been several years in practice on my own account, 
and am one of the successful “ imposters,” it appears; nevertheless, 
I, as well as most other men who call themselves respectable, like 
honour, and for the sake of that should like to become a member 
of the body corporate ; for I consider that it confers an honour 
upon its recipient. But Mr. Cox must think, after all, that the 
successful “ imposters” which he speaks of, have a good share of 
knowledge, or at least more than the unsuccessful; else whence 
comes their success ? Since we cannot for one moment suppose 
that a man could be successful for thirty years without having had 
a good degree of knowledge to impose upon the public withal. I 
cannot think that a successful practice for so long a period as that 
would be attributed to chance; and I cannot but think that if the 
Charter will not prevent druggists from prescribing, and old shep¬ 
herds, and those who have not served an apprenticeship, or at¬ 
tended College from practising, it will be but of little practical good 
to the profession. 
Gosberton, April 13th, 1849. 
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VOL. XXII. 
