498 
CORRESPONDENCE 
their statements. The pages of the Review are ever open to both 
sides of professional questions. The question upon which the 
above correspondent writes, has received no attention nor expi ess- 
ion of opinion from us heretofore, and at present we only desire 
to correct what might lead to a mistaken impression if we remained 
silent. The American Veterinary College concedes all students 
from Agricultural Colleges allowance for time spent in the study 
of chemistry, and has never graduated, nor offered to graduate, 
any student that lias not attended two courses of lectures on all 
the subjects taught. Mr. Stalker omitted other branches 
than chemistry while a student at the AV .C.,and would not have 
been admitted to the examinations for graduation on the comple¬ 
tion of one other session. The Faculty appointing power resides 
alone with the Board of Trustees, while the positions of House Snr- 
o-eon and Assistant House Surgeon are awarded by competition. 
Ed. A. V. R.] 
PRELIMINARY OFFICE INSTRUCTION TO STUDENTS OF 
VETERINARY MEDICINE. 
Editor Veterinary Review: 
Since the subject of veterinary education is receiving so 
much attention, both here and abroad, I desire to say something 
in regard to the primary instruction which the student should re¬ 
ceive in professional matters. As to the question of a thorough 
general education, no one, at all acquainted with scientific mat¬ 
ters, can fail to appreciate the indispensible value of such training, 
and it is only to be regretted that all students of veterinary 
science cannot be college graduates, before entering upon their 
life study. But as to the importance of thorough preliminary 
office instruction, there may be differences of opinion. In some 
European countries, and especially in England and Scotland, 
office instruction is considered as one of the essential elements of 
the students’ education. There, in many instances, he is indentured 
to a practitioner for a certain term, with the same care and strict- 
