TRIBUTES. 251

VETERINARY RESEARCH CLUB: A MESSAGE.

THE Veterinary Research Club gladly pays its tribute in this JubileeNumber to the achievement of Sir John M'Fadyean in completing thefiftieth volume of the Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics.The series of volumes now finished in which much of his own work isrecorded, will remain as a fitting monument to Sir John's success aseditor and to the many personal contributions which he has made tothe advancement of knowledge in Veterinary Science.

Much has been done by the Veterinary Research Club since itsfoundation in 1924 in developing friendship and mutual confidence amongthose engaged in the investigation of animal disease, and the freedomof its discussions has proved a constant stimulus to the work of itsmembers. In the success of its own aims it is conscious of the pioneerwork of Sir John M'Fadyean in the same direction, and proud of thefifty years record of the Journal he has so ably edited. Many of itsmembers are his pupils and all regard him as the founder of our presentveterinary traditions. The wishes of the Club are sent to him for thelong continued success of the Journal,y ~-,- f. President.

~~ Hon. Secretary.

AN EARLY RECOLLECTION.

By J. A. W. DOLLAR, M.R.C.V.S., F.R.S.E.,President, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 1904-0/i ;

l\ifembre de l'AcadrJmie vitirinaire de France.I FIRST knew Sir John when as Professor of Anatomy at the old DickCollege some GO years ago, he was making entire sections of frozen ponycarcases for his anatomical work. This was during the severe winters ofabout 1878-79. One December night of the latter year the tall, old stone house

at the corner of Clyde Street, where I thenlived, seemed in danger of being blowndown; it was the night of the Tay Bridgedisaster. I know all about the so-calledstudents' riot at Edinburgh a year ortwo later when students with a grievancepelted Fleming with bad eggs and flourin the public streets of Edinburgh andFleming, who in those days was omnipo­tent at 10, Red Lion Square, retaliatedby suspending several students (includingsome from the Dick College) off his ownbat, and I know the part ProfessorM'Fadyean (and in some degree I, myself)played in obtaining justice for the wrong­fully accused men. Not long afterwards,my deeply loved Principal, ProfessorWm. Robertson, died at his desk in thePrincipal's Office at Camden Town early

252 JCBILEE NUMBER.

in the Summer Session of 1887. At the opening of College next Autumnnot a word was mentioned of the man who had given his life for theCollege..His successor's career was not long, its principal feature appearedto be spending. It was he, or the Governors, who distributed the little patri­mony of the College (houses in Great College Street, where the ResearchInstitute now stands) in useless buildings. Very soon the College wasvirtually bankrupt. The Governors met, the successor resigned,a new Atlashad to be sought. None of the "old gang" were to be thought of. The Gover­nors did not know where to look. Sir Frederick FitzWygram, who as an"externe" student at the Dick Veterinary College about 1849 or 1850 hadknown my father and never relinquished the friendship, came to consultmy father and obtain his advice. By bad luck my father was out. SirFrederick, who knew I had been a student at Great College Street, and wasacquainted with affairs behind the scenes, mentioned the Governors' dilemmaand actually asked me whom I thought the most likely man. I unhesitatinglysaid M'Fadyean. I had already a knowledge of his genius as anatomist,his interest as a student, working for the Edinburgh M.B. between his ownlectures and demonstrations, his courage in defending his studentsagainst unjust action by the Colossus of those days-and I wasstrongly drawn towards him. "But," said FitzWygram, " he has a verydangerous temper" (this was the reputation given forth by Fleming).I explained the situation to Sir Frederick and he departed-more suo,whistling all out of tune and inscrutable. The next thing I knew was whenProfessor M'Fadyean arrived one evening at our house, 56, New BondStreet, to announce he was to meet the Governors of the R.V.C. thefollowing day over the question of his appointment. The position was anxious,as I assured him, the College nearly bankrupt, its resources nil, the" old gang"bitterly hostile, and the College's reputation with the public at a very low ebb.

Even its own students were against its policy. Professor M'Fadyeancame, saw, and accepted. What he has since done is plain to all.For a few years I was Editor of the Veterinarian. We agreed to unite it withthe Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics, but in very truthmy contribution was trifling. Professor M'Fadyean treated me and mysmall efforts in the most generous way-admitting me to the rights ofCo-Editor and colleague. In reality my work was that of reading the foreignjournals and making abstracts-even this he often supplemented. Industri­ous, long-suffering, cheerful, self-denying, with a determination that nothingcould daunt and a self-command that nothing could shake, he was an idealcolleague and friend. I enjoyed the privilege of companionship with himfor years, was always welcome under his roof and sometimes had to thankhim and his gracious spouse, Lady M'Fadyean, for admission to one of theircharming Northern holidays. What further can I say? For me to attemptan appreciation of his work would be presumptuous. However highlyI appraise it, others much better qualified have already delivered theirjudgment. I can only record my admiration and attachment. Let it rest at that.