448 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
consequently unable to estimate the acquirements of those 
recently educated, and not the best qualified to represent 
the surgical profession. Hence we cannot he surprised that, 
although the Court of Examiners has always numbered 
amongst its members individuals of justly earned and acknow¬ 
ledged eminence, their acts as a public body have not com¬ 
manded the respect of the profession at large.’ ” 
A Committee was appointed to take into consideration 
and report upon Mr. Ernes’ suggestions. 
At a Special Meeting of the Council held in February, 
the Examination Inquiry Committee submitted the following 
conclusion: 
First: That the one hour of Examination is not sufficient 
to test the qualification of the student. 
“ Secondly: That the Examinations be oral, written, and 
practical, the latter to be on the living as well as on the 
dead subject. 
“ Thirdly : That the Examinations should be limited to 
once a year. 
“Fourthly: That they be divided into three periods, and 
be held on different days at intervals to be determined by 
the Council. 
“As a Bye-law already exists relative to the Special 
Examination, the Committee did not think it necessary to 
refer to that subject. 
“ The Committee also submit that the re-organization 
of the Examining Board should be considered, with the 
view to the substituting Veterinary Surgeons for Medical 
Examiners.” 
In reference to the question of the election of Examiners 
for life— 
“ The Committee are of opinion that the system is in¬ 
expedient.” 
These conclusions were considered by the Council at 
three Special Meetings convened for that purpose. It was 
admitted that the present Examinations are an insufficient 
test of the qualifications of candidates for the diploma of the 
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 
The Council agreed that the Examinations should be oral, 
written, and practical. In reference to the reorganization of 
the Examining Board, the Council were of opinion that the 
College cannot dispense with the assistance of Members of 
the Medical profession. 
AY Idle admitting the general correctness of the conclusions 
at which the Committee arrived in reference to the final 
test, the Council see the great necessity which exists for 
