An anthology of unfamiliar quotations. Presidential address, American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Abstract

As an ophthalmic pathologist at a meeting devoted to ophthalmic pathology, it would probably surprise no one if I added a few remarks to those of the other speakers. However, as a teacher, I shall speak not of the eye, nor of any other organ system, but of veterinary pathology in general. I do this counter to established tradition in our College, which has thrived mightily during two decades without once having to endure a presidential address. Nevertheless, I crave your indulgence during this meeting, and if the results do not meet with your approval, then there are ways for a democratic society to guard itself against future animadversion of this sort. I ask your indulgence also to permit me to quote rather extensively from published sources I do so because so many people share my views that I fear I shall be accused of plagiarism if I do not cite them. WILLIAM BEAN6 has thrown down the gauntlet, in saying that 'The most disquieting function of the mind is to force itself out of the soothing security of the ruts of daily existence to try the broad perspective of a general view. That such toil is a duty of teachers is forgotten or shrugged off'. I have not forgotten it, and wish today to take up this challenge. My theme is simple and can be succinctly expressed. It is that veterinary pathology is not getting access to the best and brightest graduates of the veterinary schools, and that we are stultifying the imagination and wasting the time and energies of those we do get