INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
678 
labour here in the true field of science, so will our profession 
rise in public estimation. 
In taking a second view of the origin of Veterinary Medi¬ 
cine in this country, shall we not see even greater reasons to 
wonder why all animals, save the horse, were neglected? 
Who were the founders of the science ? The noblemen and 
gentlemen of the turf? The aristocratic country squire, who 
prides himself on his own and his horse’s prowess in follow¬ 
ing the hounds, it may be, in pursuit of a poor timid hare ? 
The man of ease and wealth, who rolls lazily along in his 
carriage ? The members of that craft who style themselves 
dealers in the best, the soundest, and most valuable animals 
in the world ? Were any of these the establishers of a 
Veterinary College ? Singly or combined did they take the 
step? No! The knowledge of grooms, coachmen, and 
blacksmiths was sufficient for them. It was the often 
contemned farmer, the owner of cattle, sheep, and pigs, who 
first thought of this noble object, and resolved on its accom¬ 
plishment, and who stood unaided and unassisted by any of 
these horsemen, from “ August, 1785” to “Feb. 1791-” 
I have shown how this Institution, deviated from the 
course laid down by its agricultural founders; and is it not 
somewhat remarkable, that after wandering from its path of 
duty so many years, it was brought back by another agricul¬ 
tural society ? “ The Royal Agricultural Society of England,” 
with which, we trust we may say, it is now indissolubly 
united. Let me here observe, that it is this fact, taken in 
connection with another contemplated union, hereafter to be 
suggested, which will, I believe, effect for our profession all 
that its most sanguine friends could desire, or ever hope to 
see accomplished. 
Having treated of the past state of our science, I pass to a 
no less important subject, namely, the future course which 
we should pursue. In the present day, the inquiry is not 
what has been , or is done , but what is about to be done to add to 
the usefulness of any art or science, to raise it in the scale of 
order, or even to maintain it in its present position ? what 
reforms are needed? and what are safe and practical? are 
questions at all times most difficult to solve. It is without 
doubt dangerous ground to tread upon, and requires both 
caution and circumspection in the proceeding; but boldness, 
perseverance, and courage are no less required. Singleness 
of mind and honesty of purpose have alone induced me to 
put these questions, and the same principles shall furnish 
the answers. 
Reforms of our Art appear to me to naturally arrange 
themselves into three sections, those relating to the Fro- 
