The Establishment of Veterinary Education and the Veterinary Profession in North America

This paper describes in great detail the establishment and growth of veterinary education. Initially established by European trained graduates, it recognises the involvement of the medical profession in the early years, drawing on similarities with the history of the British veterinary profession. Significant factors identified are the impact of the American Civil War and subsequent economic expansion in the country. There are details of the establishment of veterinary publications and literature. The author provides an in-depth description of the development of the Toronto Veterinary College (1862) and its related colleges.

Bruce Vivash-Jones

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies: What’s in a Name?

The paper provides a chronological description of the names associated with, and used by, the Edinburgh Veterinary College since its inception in 1823. It traces the early years of the college, identifying people and organisations that were closely involved with it including the royal patronage given by Queen Victoria. It proceeds to discuss the names associated with the college since its incorporation into the University of Edinburgh.

Alastair A Macdonald

James Beart Simonds: Late Principal of The Royal Veterinary College, Professor of Cattle Pathology, &c. Autobiography-Part 8

The last part of Simonds’ autobiography, first published in 1894, it describes his time as Principal of the college, from 1871, having succeeded James Spooner.  He describes changes at the college, with the appointment of numerous staff members, and provides details of their subsequent careers following his tenure as Principal. He also describes the design and construction of new facilities at the college. Using the annual reports to the Royal Agricultural Society, Simonds provides details of the status and progression of animal diseases in Britain. In 1881 he was forced to retire through ill-health, and subsequently lived in Ryde, Isle of Wight.

J B Simonds

An Unusual Horse Purchasing Commission

The author, a future Director of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, describes his journey from Nepal to Sonepur, India, to purchase a horse for the Cantonment Saddle Club. Venturing through Bihar state he spent time with local veterinarians, recording how they practised under often desperate conditions. The trip resulted in the purchase of a 4-year old Punjabi mare, called Rani, which was successfully transported back to the Gurka headquarters in Nepal.

GR Durrant

A Veterinary Slant on Britain’s Deer Parks Through the Ages

Tracing their establishment back to Norman times, the paper reviews the varied histories of these parks. Many received royal patronage and developed mixed flora and fauna. The impacts of war, both civil and world, is described. The author provides an overview of the husbandry and maintenance of deer as well as details of the commonly reported diseases. The contribution of deer parks to the elucidation of the mechanisms of delayed implantation is reviewed.

John Fletcher