LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 803 
I need hardly tell you that the education received by a veterinary 
surgeon of the present day will contrast most favorably with that 
received by the surgeons during the time of George II, though the 
barber of that period was quite as intelligent an individual as the cow- 
leech of to-day. 
It may seem a paradox for me to state, that in my opinion legislation 
in connection with this matter is of far greater moment to, and affects 
more largely, the beneficial interests of the public than our own 
profession. 
The securing of that skilful and competent treatment for our domestic 
animals when diseased, which is based upon a thoroughly scientific 
training in the individual that is to practise it, touches more or less 
directly the pecuniary interests of every owner of stock in the kingdom, 
and that is placing the matter on the very lowest footing ; for in my 
opinion there are very few proprietors even of the domestic pets, the 
dog and cat, but, as a matter of humanity, who would not wish to have 
the advantage of scientific advice and treatment for them when suffering, 
and were such an Act as proposed in operation they would then have a 
certain guide to obtain what they desire. 
Upon what grounds are we justified in approaching the House of 
Commons and asking for a penal act ? 
There are many reasons, but I will bring to your notice the four which 
I deem most cogent; 
First, for the benefit of the public generally, so that they may be 
enabled to distinguish between the quack and the individual 
who has undergone the prescribed scientific training, and passed 
the requisite examinations, so that his name appears on the College 
Register. 
Secondly, on the score of humanity to the lower animals. How often 
does it not occur that persons are entrusted with the treatment of 
animals who describe themselves as veterinary surgeons, and have not 
the most rudimentary knowledge of the diseases they are called upon to 
treat, nor the nature, composition, or action of the drugs they ad¬ 
minister. 
Is it not cruelty of the most atrocious description to place an animal 
suffering, it may be, with some very acute malady, under the care of a 
person who is as likely to give it medicine that will greatly aggravate 
its sufferings as tend to their relief? 
Thirdly, on the ground of equity to the profession. Why should its mem¬ 
bers suffer in the estimation of the public by reason of ignorant, illiterate, 
and low-bred individuals assuming the title confirmed by charter in the 
following terms:—“And we do further declare and grant, that the 
veterinary art, as practised by the members of the said body politic and 
corporate shall be henceforth deemed and taken to be recognised as a 
profession; and that the members of the said body politic and cor- 
porate, solely and exclusively of all other persons whomsoever, shall be 
deemed and taken and recognised to be members of the said profession 
or professors of the said art, and shall be individually known and dis¬ 
tinguished by the name and title of veterinary surgeons.” 
Fourthly, on the ground of precedent. What has legislation done for 
our own position and safety when requiring medical or surgical aid ? 
I cannot do better than quote from the ‘Medical Act,’ 21st and 22nd 
Victoria, chap. 90, 2nd Aug., 1858, “ an Act to regulate the Qualifica¬ 
tions of Practitioners in Medicine and Surgery.” Whereas it is ex¬ 
pedient that persons requiring medical aid should be enabled to distin¬ 
guish qualified from unqualified practitioners, Clause 40 is as follows : 
“ Any person who shall wilfully or falsely pretend to be, or take or use 
