[Gutenberg 47162] • The Horse's Mouth, Showing the age by the teeth

When submitting to the reader this my first work on Veterinary Science, I cannot forbear from addressing to him a few remarks, in the hope of explaining some of those peculiarities which it may appear to present.

At a period of life, when many men retire from active business, I commenced the study of a new profession. My mind was not prepared to receive instruction through the ordinary process, and I was, by necessity, obliged to be, in a great measure, my own tutor. I found that I could learn only through observation, and this circumstance led me into inquiries which often left me in opposition with established opinions. Hence many of the facts announced in the following pages are new, and not very much contained in them is strictly accordant with the acknowledged authorities. The latter circumstance I may regret, but I have no apology to offer for it. My convictions are derived from the study of Nature, and are conclusions gained from a higher source than conjecture or opinion sanctioned by time or approved by professors.

Short as may have been my experience, nothing herein set down will be found which is not the result of practice, or the consequence of reasoning. Perhaps a longer professional existence would have given more weight to that which is either novel in its announcement, or may appear to be bold in its assurance. Truth, however, is speedily read by those who are intent on deciphering it, and facts are not rendered more clear to the mental vision by years of conventional dependence.

The teaching of our English Veterinary School has, for too long a period, been traditional; what one had said, he who succeeded him repeated, and when I entered as a pupil, there existed no spirit of inquiry, or thought of extending the boundaries of knowledge. To what a degree an evil system had been established, I may here state as an instance, that in the first horse which I dissected, I was able to demonstrate the existence of four muscles that had previously been unnoticed by my teachers.

Under such circumstances, it is not surprising if a fresh intruder, on a comparatively unexplored soil, did turn up something which, though it laid near to the surface, had not before been exposed. On the teeth, my investigations began from the beginning; and though I cannot but say I have been greatly assisted by the information derived from the labours of previous writers, yet I have, in every instance, accepted their assertions only after I had tested them, and found them to be correct.

To the members of my profession, I am deeply indebted. When they knew the subject on which I was engaged, each volunteered to aid me, and generously gave me the benefit of that experience, which personally I was unfortunate in not possessing. It was acknowledged, that upon the teeth, some work which might be depended upon, was sadly needed, and to render the present worthy of the confidence of the public, all to whom I applied cheerfully gave their utmost help. From their cordial communications and disinterested co-operation, I learnt much, and gained many valuable ideas.