212 YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
and ornament thereunto. Ours is indeed a noble science, for the objects 
to be attained are humane, charitable, and benevolent. 
The structure and functions of the bodies of domestic animals are 
much the same as those of human beings, and the laws which govern the 
diseased processes in man and the lower animals and the principles 
which dictate and guide the practice of human and veterinary medicine 
are identical; but in the diagnosis of disease we are placed at a great 
disadvantage, from the fact that we have to deal with dumb patients. 
We can elicit no information from them, but are dependent in a great 
measure on the attendant in charge for the history of the case—and 
very scanty information you get generally—yet your employer often 
expects you to tell him the exact cause of the disease or injury to which 
your attention has been called. How often would cases be simplified but 
for the groom withholding highly important information, which, if 
divulged, might cost him his situation ; and again, how many cases are 
lost from procrastination, negligence, ignorance, and self-conceit on the 
part of the owner, or from an utter want of sympathy on the part of 
the nurse towards his patient. 
The veterinary surgeon should be a man of keen perception and of 
an acute and observant nature, for upon the exercise or non-exercise of 
such qualities as these mainly depends a correct or incorrect diagnosis, 
resolution or dissolution in your patient, and consequently the surgeon’s 
success or non-success as a practitioner. 
And let me here say a few words respecting the training of the em¬ 
bryonic veterinarian. A step in the right direction has been taken by 
the introduction of an extended curriculum at the various teaching 
schools, and the adoption of a practical examination, which latter should 
be no dead letter. The matriculation examination is also a necessary 
adjunct, as a test of the educational attainments of each intending 
student; and this should be strictly adhered to, for without a good sound 
education no candidate should be allowed to cross the threshold of our 
colleges. Such an education will pave the way and prepare the mind for 
the reception of the more scientific teachings with which he must here¬ 
after become conversant. 
A classical and scientific education, however, is useless, unless com¬ 
bined with practical instruction ; and as this cannot be fully imparted, for 
various reasons, at our veterinary institutions, it is, in my humble opinion, 
essentially requisite that every veterinary aspirant should be placed for 
at least two or three years under the care of an experienced practitioner 
previous to his entering college. This will prove of great benefit to him, 
by bringing him in direct contact and association with those animals 
which at some future time he may be called upon to treat as patients, 
and will give him a knowledge of their habits and surroundings. 
It will also give him an insight into the many and various aspects of 
the profession, the oddities and peculiarities of individuals who are to be 
found amongst his clients, and the antique and fantastic theories and 
ideas of horsemen which require exploding. Without a lengthened 
period of practical tuition it is quite possible, I grant you, for a man to 
pass successfully his examinations, and to leave the college with his 
diploma under his arm at the end of the minimum time stipulated by 
the rules of that college, and yet if his practical knowledge be only of a 
superficial character can you expect him to be a clever, useful, and 
successful practitioner? I say no. The man who shines well in theo¬ 
retical and scientific knowledge often presents a sorry appearance in the 
sick-box. He lacks confidence in himself, tenders his advice with hesi¬ 
tation, is too apt to appropriate the opinions of others (and stablemen 
