270 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
loudly, persistently, but fruitlessly demanded in years past. You are 
all aware that the acquiescence of the Highland and Agricultural Society 
(to the generally expressed wish of the profession) that they should dis¬ 
continue the issue of certificates to practice has brought to a happy 
termination the dissensions that have so long agitated the profession, 
and cleared the way for the introduction of such measures as will enable 
the public to distinguish a thoroughly educated and legally qualified 
person from one who has not undergone the test of examination, and 
whose presence among us a soi-disant veterinary surgeon was inimical 
alike to the interests of veterinary practitioners and the public. The 
time, I think, has now arrived when the profession should be relieved 
from the odium attaching to the presence in its ranks of charlatans and 
pretenders. It has been asked why we desire the insertion of a penal 
clause in our charter, and it has been said, surely the gentlemen now 
leaving their alma mater and commencing to practise are sufficiently 
strong in practical and scientific knowledge to compete successfully against 
quacks, and I would say yes, if that competition was honest; but when 
you remember the strata of society from which these persons crop out, 
and the class from which they are recruited, you will find, as a rule, the 
type of them is an utterly unprincipled individual. You will observe, 
gentlemen, that I say as a rule, for I have certainly met exceptions in 
unqualified practitioners who would not have disgraced the profession, 
and I think it would naturally facilitate the passing of a new Veterinary 
Medical Bill if some special arrangement could be made on their behalf, 
and I am sure any legislation having for its object the protection of its 
interests would be universally acceptable to the profession and conducive 
to the public good. 
Quite recently, I have had some talk on this subject with an influential 
member of the Veterinary Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society, 
and he stated to me his intention of bringing this matter to the notice of 
that board. Some few years ago I introduced the subject to a Member 
of Parliament, and elicited from him an opinion that the veterinary 
practitioner had an equal right with the medical practitioner to be pro¬ 
tected. 
In mentioning these two instances I merely wished to suggest that prac¬ 
titioners having an opportunity of coming into contact with gentlemen of 
influence would greatly benefit the cause by making a statement to them 
of what we require. 
In our friend, Mr. Geo. Fleming, we have one who has never yet 
taken up his pen without some substantial good to the profession issuing 
out of his advocacy, and you will all be pleased to see the manner in 
which he is handling this subject. 
Before concluding these few remarks, may I be allowed to suggest 
that if we are to have a new Veterinary Medical Bill, a clause might be 
inserted praying that veterinary surgeons may be exempt from service 
on juries; this is a privilege enjoyed by the medical profession, and one 
to which we are equally entitled. And now, gentlemen, I shall close these 
few remarks by hoping that a discussion may follow that will call forth 
the opinion of every one present. 
The discussion was opened by Mr. Peter Taylor , but, in consideration 
of Dr. Gamgee, it was postponed until the next meeting, and the 
apprenticeship clause was also added to the list for discussion. 
Mr. Wm. Woods begged leave to move at the next meeting an alteration 
of Rule XVII, with respect to the election of Honorary Associates. 
Mr. T. Briggs gave notice that at the next meeting he would move 
that the meetings of our Society be held oftener. 
