INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
662 
the evidence by which they are made apparent to the mind, 
through the senses, (namely, by aid of the microscope,) is 
equally plain and satisfactory.” Commendation such as this, 
and from such a distinguished teacher in medical science, 
cannot fail to impress every unbiassed mind, and to prove 
that we, who advocate the employment of this instrument, 
are the friends to advancement in the right direction. 
I might here safely take leave of this part of my subject; 
but I am desirous of mentioning one other circumstance of 
very recent occurrence, and which gives additional lustre to 
these truths, namely, that the Council of the Royal College 
of Surgeons has founded a new T professorship, that of His¬ 
tology, which they have conferred on that talented and inde¬ 
fatigable microscopist, Mr. Quekett. This act, while it confers 
a high honour on the recipient, may be truly said to reflect 
an equal one on the donors. The name of Mr. Quekett is 
well known, and in him we see another pleasing instance of 
merit being rewarded, and industry being appreciated. 
Thus, gentlemen, I have endeavoured to show }’ou some 
of the means and appliances by which you can obtain 
a knowledge of veterinary science. That they are well cal¬ 
culated, if rightly used, to make you successful, as well as 
scientific practitioners, no one can doubt. It behoves me, 
however, on this occasion, to enter a little more on details ; 
and to point out what is expected of you, not only by the 
teachers in this institution, but by those parents and friends 
who, it may be, in some instances, have lessened their own 
comforts to further your prospects in life. Some of you are 
now r placed, and for the first time, in a state of comparative 
freedom and independence. Remember that this position 
is one of deep responsibility, big with future events; if 
used aright, it cannot fail to lead to happiness, and raise 
you in the social scale; if otherwise, it will as assuredly 
ruin your prospects, your health, and all that man should 
hold as dear to him. Be especially jealous, at this juncture, 
in the choice of companions—seek those that are above, rather 
than those that are beneath you. “ Shew’ me the man’s 
companions, and I will shew you the man,” is a proverb no 
less trite than true. 
It is deeply to be regretted that this vast metropolis, amongst 
all the good, moral, and religious examples it possesses, con¬ 
tains, too, its thousand temptations to allure the young and 
unwary from the paths of rectitude and virtue. Avoid all 
these as quicksands placed in your course by him “ who goeth 
about seeking wdiom he may devour.” “Be diligent in your 
calling,”—industry, as we have showrn, is certain of reward ; 
punctuality in the lecture-room is especially expected; and 
