SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
523 
to see the harmony that was existing in the profession in Ohio, as unity is strength, 
and without the united support of the profession, veterinary legislation could not 
be obtained. 
The next business in order was communications and correspondence. A let- 
let of regret was read from Prof. A. H. Baker, of the Chicago Veterinary Col¬ 
lege, who stated that he would be unable to attend, but expressed his thanks for 
their kind invitation, and it would have afforded him great pleasure to attend the 
meeting; and that he was particularly interested in veterinary education, and that 
any practical suggestions that the Association might make would meet with his 
approval. 
A letter of regret was read from Dr. R. W. Finlay, of New York, who stated 
he would be most happy to attend our meeting, but important business connected 
with professional interests in this State, compelled his close attendance there. 
The subject of medical education he felt deeply interested in, and there was great 
need of a united and general effort in that direction. He was glad that Ohio will 
lead in the matter, and wished them every success. He also asked that his con¬ 
gratulations be extended to the members of the Association, and wished they 
might have a pleasant and profitable meeting. 
A commnnication was also received from Prof. Liautard, in answer to the 
resolutions passed at a previous meeting, bearing upon the subject of veterinary 
education. “In answer to the first query relating to matriculatory examination, 
you will notice, by reference to our annoucement, that we require certificates of 
schools of English education; and if this is not obtained, our candidates are sub¬ 
mitted to a close examination in reading, spelling, writing, etc., etc. This is 
little, I agree with you, but is it not enough? Can you not judge of the general 
ability and education of one by those alone ? Is it not fair to believe that one who 
writes good and correctly, and reads well, is most certainly in possession of a bet¬ 
ter education than we could require, say in arithmetic or other branches. 
We ask this examination, we enforce it, and therefore you see, that we fully 
appreciate its value and its necessity. Second, as to making the course three 
years. This is a step I have always encouraged, and still I doubt if it can be faith¬ 
fully, honestly and truly enforced, except on one condition, that is to do as we 
do. We demand at least two years, but we do not make it obligatory that a 
student must graduate after that length of time—far from it. To all who can, we 
advise to take three years, and many of our students follow our advice. I do 
not believe that it is in the number of years that will be put on an announcement 
that we can expect to inspire our graduates. I believe it will be in the honest, 
true and impartial examination of a candidate; and you will agree with me that 
many two years’ students have graduated who did not deserve it. It is true, 
however, that many have turned out to be good practitioners and useful veterina¬ 
rians. I doubt if this three years clause will ever be adopted, so long as veteri. 
nary colleges remain private undertakings, and so long as the loose manner of 
education is allowed to be followed, as it is in some, by a graduation to one 
who has never been in college or never passed a single examination at a college. 
What I would like to see is this, a National Board of Examiners to grant the same, 
and award diplomas to candidates coming from any school, but such as are debarred 
from that power of granting diplomas. This, I believe, would be just right, and 
