INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON HIPPOPATHOLOGY. 761 
Sollysel, by his industry and by his appreciation of what 
had been done by the Italians of the Ruini period, intro¬ 
duced to France a knowledge of the works of these masters 
of the art; and in this way prepared the way for the success 
in the next century of Bourgelat, the founder of veterinary 
colleges in France (1766). 
Although in Great Britain considerable advance had been 
made in the knowledge and practical application of medicine 
as an art to the treatment of our horses and other animals 
long anterior, it was not until the last years of the century, 
by the establishment of the present institution, that any 
attempt was made to regard and cultivate veterinary medi¬ 
cine as a distinct and special study.- 
From that time until the present, although its progress 
has not in all respects satisfied its most ardent admirers, it 
has at least been steady and successful. 
We have not thus hastily glanced at the origin and pro¬ 
gress of the connection, association, and influence of the 
principles and practices of the healing art as applied to 
animals other than man, with any idea of giving even an 
outline of the history of veterinary medicine, this is a 
matter far too important and extensive to be thus summarily 
discoursed upon ; rather have we done so to indicate how 
from desultory and small beginnings that which was origin¬ 
ally and incidentally brought under men’s notice as a mere 
accessory and subordinated consideration, has now in its 
principles and scientific bearing been recognised as entitled 
to take its place as a separate and distinct department of 
human knowledge, and that it is in its application as an art 
both honorable and of every day practical value and use, 
both to communities and individuals. 
In whatever light we view our profession as belonging 
to that great department of “ social science,” public health, 
we cannot but regret that it has not yet received that con¬ 
sideration which it deserves. 
The question, how are we to find an adequate supply of 
food for an increasing population, and this at a price within 
the reach of those classes most requiring it, has gradually 
been forcing itself on the attention of the thinking portion 
of our community. And here I think the most lukewarm 
and sceptical observers may be convinced that a recognition 
and cultivation of veterinary medicine may be made to pay, 
which with many of our social reformers is the touchstone 
by which all questions, not even excepting those of moral 
obligation, are so unceremoniously judged. If he who con¬ 
serves the health of the population is justly esteemed a 
