384. 
THE VETERINARIAN, APRIL 1, 1869. 
Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat.—CiCEEO. 
BOTANY IN ITS RELATION TO VETERINARY MEDICINE. 
It was once remarked by a learned professor in his inaugural 
address to the students of a medical school, that of all sub¬ 
jects which were submitted to their notice botany seemed to 
attract the least attention, and even in many instances 
it excited something akin to contempt. Perhaps there yet 
lingers among comparatively educated people a vague im¬ 
pression that the study of botany belongs to the elegantioi 
of science, and is thus fitted to the tender intellects of the 
fairer portion of creation rather than to the sterner minds of 
men who, having work to do, are bound to do it with their 
might. 
Those who estimate the study of the history of the vege¬ 
table world in the light of an effeminate amusement, might, 
perchance,find themselves somewhat sternly undeceived at the 
commencement of the subject; and it is even not unlikely 
that the apparent difficulties might not become less evident as 
they advanced. We do not desire to tempt any enthusi¬ 
astic student into the thorny path by the shallow pretence 
that it is strewed with roses; nevertheless, with well-consi¬ 
dered intention, we commend to his favorable notice the 
papers now being published in our Journal on the ‘^Prin¬ 
ciples of Botany,^^ by Professor Buckman. This science 
is not only shown to be of importance as a part of general 
education, but also to have a peculiar adaptability to every 
branch of the medical profession, whether in reference to the 
hygeine and treatment of the higher or the lower forms of 
animal life, and, we doubt not, as the learned professor 
advances, to the consideration of the classification and 
qualities of plants, and their influence upon animals, that 
still more important facts bearing on the value of botany as 
a branch of veterinary education will be fully established. 
