203 
THE EXAMINATION QUESTION AND THE ROYAL 
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
A SPECIAL MEETING OE THE COUNCIL^was held Wednesday, 
Eebuhaey 24th, 1869. 
The President in the chair. 
There were also present Professors Simonds and Brown, 
Principal Veterinary-Surgeon Wilkinson, Assistant-Professor 
Pritchard, Messrs. Broad, J. C. Broad, Ernes, Fleming, 
Greaves, Hunt, Harrison, Lawson, Moon, Bobinson, and 
Thacker. 
The Minntes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. 
The Examination Committee brought up its Beport upon 
the subject of the present system of examination for the 
diploma of the college. The committee reported that after 
a careful consideration of the question they were of opinion—■ 
1. That the present system of examination is deficient. 
2. That practical examinations on the living and dead 
subject are necessary. 
3. That the examinations should be oral, written, and 
practical. 
4. That the examinations should only take place once a 
year, and be divided into three periods, on different days, at 
such intervals as the Council might determine. 
5. -The committee suggest that the reorganization of the 
examining board, with a view to the appointment of veterinary 
surgeons in the place of the medical examiners, is worthy of 
the consideration of the Council. 
A very animated discussion ensued. 
The general opinion was in favour of a preliminary exami¬ 
nation of candidates for admission to the college, and the 
adoption of practical examinations. 
Ultimately the discussion was adjourned to the next 
meeting of the Council. 
