614 
INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
have done us as teachers of the science of veterinary medicine 
by their attendance here to-day. The apathy which we are 
sometimes inclined to believe has an existence amon-r the 
general public in all which relates to our calling, is thus in a 
great measure disproved. Such kindness cannot, therefore, 
fail to stimulate our exertions, and to support us in the trying 
difficulties which are of necessity associated with our respon¬ 
sibilities, and as such it has our warmest thanks. 
This earlier commencement of our labours has in it many 
advantages, and especially will it allow of a fuller elucida¬ 
tion of the details of pathology at the close of the session, 
besides affording increased facilities for deeper anatomical 
research ; things of the first import for the success of the 
students. 
As a profession we must be content to follow in the wake 
of human medicine, ee Ars veterinaria post medicinam secuncla 
est was the remark of an ancient writer, whose works, how¬ 
ever, show how deeply he was impressed with the importance 
of the art, and how strenuously he laboured for its advance¬ 
ment. Shall it be said that we are less ardent in the cause 
of science, and less diligent in the use of means to elevate 
the veterinary profession, than was Yegetius, of whom I 
speak, and who lived fifteen centuries ago ? Surely not, but 
rather let us give proof to the world, that if our art in its 
practical utility to the requirements of man stands second to 
human medicine, that as an abstract science it is fully equal, 
and as such deserves a like support. 
On occasions like the present, custom has wisely ordered 
that the chief objects of the lecturer shall be to bring before 
the pupils an outline of their studies, show them the facilities 
which exist for the obtainment of information, and offer 
them some words of advice and friendly counsel; and as it 
is not my intention to depart very widely from this course, 
so I must ask the kind indulgence of the senior and non¬ 
professional portion of my audience to bear with me in my 
exposition. It cannot fail to be remarked that I have laid 
stress on the science of veterinary medicine, rather than on 
its practice. Science may be regarded as “ knowledge re¬ 
duced to a system.” In its extended sense it has sometimes 
been defined as “ man’s conception of God’s universe,’’ 
hence its possessor is enabled to successfully grapple with 
difficulties, and to surmount obstacles to which others must 
succumb. The scientific veterinary surgeon is as superior to 
the man of mere routine and practice, as he is who studies 
the starry firmament, with a knowledge of the movements 
of those heavenly orbs, compared with him who looks upon 
