INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
G58 
felt, with all its attendant consequences. Nevertheless, let 
us not fear that our difficulties will vanish as we progress. 
Nay, of this we are assured, that industry will overcome all 
obstacles, and render easy such things as at first appeared all 
but insurmountable. 
We may gather many a useful lesson from passing events; 
and in contemplating the character of that illustrious man, 
“the Hero of a hundred fights, 55 who has lately been re¬ 
moved from us, we see the distinction that may be arrived 
at by a free and full discharge of duty , and a steady persever¬ 
ance under the most disadvantageous circumstances. And, 
although it cannot be affirmed that each of you who has now 
embarked in pursuit of veterinary knowledge, by adopting a 
similar course, will arrive like him at the head of your pro¬ 
fession, yet no doubt can be entertained of your occupying a 
place both of distinction and respect. 
Most of you know that your studies here embrace a variety 
of subjects ; and although some persons might be disposed 
to question the assertion, I hesitate not to say, that all are 
of equal importance to secure your ultimate success in 
practice. With extended study you have extended facilities 
of obtaining information, and thus the advantages you 
possess are far greater than were enjoyed by many who have 
gone before you. That Veterinary Science has attempted to 
keep pace with the science of Human Medicine, is not too 
much to affirm ; with what success it is not, however, for me to 
state. Already I have alluded to the fact that all domesticated 
animals are now viewed as our legitimate patients ; and I 
can well remember when less was done in a week, within 
these walls, for the advancement of the pupil, than is now 
done daily during his College probation. Then it was, and to 
the disgrace of the school, that six months or less sufficed to 
effect the obtainment of a diploma. Now, two full sessions, 
extending over a period of two years, must be spent before 
the pupil is entitled to appear before his examiners. Then 
the only practical men to be found at the examination board 
were the two teachers of the College; now, in their stead, we 
have six veterinary surgeons of distinguished ability. The 
examination being thus made more practical, is not the less 
scientific, as in addition to the distinguished Professor of 
Chemistry, who acts as the chairman, there are three other 
gentlemen of the highest scientific attainments, selected from 
the medical profession. Means are also taken to secure an 
examination upon each section of the pupil’s instruction, and 
the whole is carried out in the presence of the Professors of 
the College, who, with the Principal Veterinary Surgeon of 
the Army, are ex officio members of the board. 
