804 THE ETIQUETTE OF VETERINARY AUTHORSHIP. 
Horse-Shoeing” was known to Mr. Williams soon after its 
publication; and he was one of the authorities appointed to 
examine the shoeing essays, with a view to the awarding of 
the prizes. He must, therefore, have known the contents of 
these essays, and in all likelihood something of the work 
published three years ago. With regard to Mr. Thacker’s 
horse-shoe, Mr. Williams states that the shoe he recommends 
has been in use in Edinburgh for about two years ; that 
would be about, if not subsequent to, the period when my 
essay was in the hands of the judges. 
In literary circles beyond our own, such ungenerous con¬ 
duct would he very sharply criticised and properly desig¬ 
nated ; and I can see no reason why veterinary writers should 
not be bound to conform to the same canons of behaviour 
which govern other writers. 
In this instance, however, I could well afford to treat the 
matter with perfect silence and indifference, did I not think 
it a bad precedent to establish. In this country we are a pro¬ 
fession almost without a literature, and it behoves those who 
venture on the somewhat ungrateful and laborious task of 
repairing this misfortune to be careful in the example they 
may afford. Private feeling should never be permitted to 
interfere with the principle and public duty of acknowledg¬ 
ment and justice. 
I heartily congratulate Mr. Williams on his debut in 
veterinary literature, and wish him every success. He 
will, perhaps, find that literary work, no matter how con¬ 
scientiously it may be performed, nor how laudable may be 
its object, has its pains and penalties, as well as its plea¬ 
sures, toils, and responsibilities. One thing I can sincerely 
promise him—that if ever I have occasion to quote from any¬ 
thing he has written, I shall deem it my privilege and duty, 
as it will he no less a gratification, to render unto Caesar 
that which is Caesar’s. Such has been my line of conduct 
hitherto, and in this I have only followed those who were 
desirous of acting honorably and fairly towards their col¬ 
leagues. This is not a private matter, but one which closely 
concerns our professional reputation. 
