342 
A. A. HOLCOMBE. 
t-ures to her first two classes. Yet so quietly and unostentatiously 
had this been done, that but a limited acquaintanceship with the 
general public had been secured, so that it can scarcely be 
thought this early work of the college had shaped any outside 
opinion in veterinary matters. 
But the United States Veterinary Medical Association, by 
reason of its many members, who resided in diiferent parts of sev¬ 
eral of the States, exercised an influence which was more widely 
felt. Although Congress at this time (1866) may not have known 
of the existence of this Association, undoubtedly the interest 
which it had awakened in the minds of stockholders had served 
to formulate the embryonic conception entertained by the public 
regarding the importance of veterinary medicine ; and thus, im¬ 
perceptibly as it were, had their influence extended, even in all 
probability, to the National Legislature. 
That the Secretary of War appreciated the value of veterinary 
medicine in the army, is shown by his order in January, 1868, 
wherein he directs that all veterinary supplies be purchased from 
the Medical Department, thereby insuring for the animals medi¬ 
cines of the same quality as that furnished for officers and men. 
The importance of this order need not be dwelt upon by me ; it 
speaks for itself, and speaks volumes for the perception of the 
War Department. 
From this time on to 1879 the army had been gradually re¬ 
duced in numbers, and veterinary medicine in connection there¬ 
with had received so little attention that it had almost become 
lost to sight. On the other hand, the veterinarians of civil life 
had been working hard for the elevation of their profession, and 
it had grown wondrously. 
The New York College of Veterinary Surgeons had flourished, 
and passing through the chrysalis stage had given birth to that 
infant of lusty growth, the American Veterinary College. Cor¬ 
nell University was laboring earnestly in the cause. Montreal 
and Ontario, Great Britain and Europe were sending us many 
graduates, among whom were some able workers. Veterinary 
medicine and its advantages had become household subjects of 
consideration in every district where stock was raised or used. 
