ARMY VETERINARY MEDICINE. 
347 
THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE ARMY VETERINARY SURGEON. 
In accordance with General Order No. 36, A. G. O., dated 
March 27,1879, no one can receive an appointment as Veterinary 
Surgeon to the army unless he is first a graduate from an estab¬ 
lished and reputable veterinary school or college. 
But the order, not being retroactive, left the unqualified Vet- 
erinar 3 T Surgeons already in the army in possession of their 
appointments, so that it will be some time before the army veteri¬ 
nary corps will be composed of graduates only. 
There are two classes of Veterinary Surgeons in the army at 
present, as follows: 
1st. “ Inspecting Veterinary Surgeon,” or “ Department Vet¬ 
erinary Surgeon,” employed in the Quartermaster’s Department 
for the inspection of horses and mules presented to the Govern¬ 
ment for purchase ; for the treatment of sick and disabled animals 
belonging to the Government at the headquarters where stationed ; 
for the inspection or treatment of public animals at any post in 
the department; the review of all inspection reports in which 
animals are condemned to be sold or destroyed, and the revision, 
with recommendation, of all requisitions for veterinary supplies. 
As yet there is but one Department Veterinary Surgeon serv¬ 
ing in the army. A. A. Holcombe, D.V.S., received the appoint¬ 
ment to the department of the Missouri in August. 1880, and is 
stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., the headquarters of the 
department. His salary is $150 per month, with transportation, 
and $4 per day added when away from his post on duty. 
2d. The “Regimental Veterinary Surgeon” is allowed only to 
the ten cavalry regiments of the army, the artillery being with¬ 
out his services. 
The candidates for appointment in a regiment must make 
application to its commanding officer, who if he sees fit, forwards 
the application, “ supported by the requisite proofs of learning 
and skill,” to the Secretary of War, who issues the warrant, pro¬ 
viding he is satisfied with the candidate’s credentials, and there 
has been no objection from “ intermediate commanders.” The • 
Regimental Veterinary Surgeon ranks as a Sergeant-Major, the 
highest non-commissioned officer of the regiment. 
