THE VETERINARIAN AS A SANITARIAN. 
145 
ing wonderful discoveries of science in the rush of progress, 
that even vices often seem to become necessities in regard to 
food, clothing and homes. 
The inevitable result of these possibly uncontrollable con¬ 
ditions, is for the masses to eagerly seek relief from the con¬ 
sequent evils, through the efficacy of practical hygiene ; and 
where, may I ask, is there to be utilized a more practical test 
of the merits of sanitary medicine than that controlled by the 
veterinary science, the local practitioner of which can surely 
exemplify this fact with great credit to himself, his chosen 
profession,. and with advantage to the community in which 
he resides. It is generally conceded by medical men every¬ 
where, and at least apprehended by every thoughtful citizen, 
that, with at least few exceptions, disease is dependent upon 
the existence of specific organisms, (“ developed through un¬ 
concern of the principles of hygiene ” ) some forms positively 
contagious or infectious, others more or less so, but all are 
modified or aggravated in their depredations by the existing 
sanitary arrangements and discipline of a person, home, sta¬ 
ble or locality. 
The present extensive investigations, experiments and stu¬ 
dy of the etiology of certain diseases of the human family, 
in different parts of the world, will undoubtedly give to the 
public strong, perhaps conclusive evidence, that many mala¬ 
dies of the brute creation are communicable to man through 
different mediums, such as food and by his daily associations 
with the domesticated animals ; consequently how intelligently 
vigilant every commonwealth should be in seeing to it that 
stock—all animals about them, either for food or service, are 
properly cared for ; that the housing, feeding, handling, and 
the preparing for market the animal food products, is con¬ 
sistent with the rules of hygiene. 
The veterinarian, the local practitioner in particular, has 
special and peculiar opportunities for education in the details 
of an efficient sanitary police, and can thereby assist in guard¬ 
ing the public against the infringements of the laws of health, 
which sometimes occur within his special line of service. 
Yes, the moral obligations of the veterinary practitioner are 
