LETTER TO THE EDITORS FROM MR. WILLIAMS. 58 7 
lication in a concise manner; and, as you advocate, couched 
in language that only the educated and scientific mail can 
understand. If the different societies were to adopt your 
suggestions, they would have to expel a considerable number 
of gentlemen who enjoy, and deservedly so, good positions 
in society, and who are recognised as scientific veterinarians 
by their brethren in the societies. Our President, I am glad 
to state, is well aware that this would be a great injustice; 
and, had he not been fully alive to the rectitude of his steps, 
would never have consented to take office. Let me add that 
his urbanity, gentlemanly demeanour, and his high standing 
in the West Riding, have been of great assistance in en¬ 
suring our success. In all the observations that I have read 
against the legality of the Edinburgh Veterinary diploma, 
the writers forget, or seem not to know, that when Professor 
Dick, in consequence of his rights being entrenched upon 
and his students snubbed, seceded from the Royal College of 
Veterinary Surgeons, he only fell back upon his original 
right of granting diplomas—a right which you are well aware 
was in existence since 1823—or twenty-one years before the 
profession was incorporated by Royal Charter. I could 
enlarge upon this topic, but refrain from doing so ; but, in 
conclusion, let me add that the examinations at the Edin¬ 
burgh Veterinary College are now conducted in a manner 
second to none, and that the diploma so obtained gives its 
possessor a right to consider himself a qualified veterinary 
surgeon, and to aspire to all honours and emoluments that 
fall to the profession. How then can a man so qualified, if 
he be one of education—I am sorry to say that many are 
short of that, corporate or not corporate—lower the status of 
a veterinarian society ? If we only look around us, we find 
our fellow graduates as high as any veterinary surgeon can 
be; one, I understand, Mr. Hallen, Jun., is at the head of 
the Indian Army Veterinary Department, and another, Mr. 
Fleming, a fellow of some of our most learned societies at 
home. 
I remain, Gentlemen, 
Yours truly, 
W. Williams, 
Hon. Sec . to the Yorkshire Veterinary Medical 
Society , and one of the Examiners at the Edin¬ 
burgh Veterinary College. 
To the Editors of * The Veterinarian .* 
