Letters between Frederick Smith and Fred Bullock, Secretary of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons [RCVS]. The main subject of discussion is research carried out by Smith, with Bullock’s assistance, regarding manuscript and literary sources of veterinary anatomy and physiology. At this time, Smith is about to publish the first volume of ‘Early History of Veterinary Literature’ as a book, and preparing and rewriting the fifth edition of his book ‘A Manual of Veterinary Physiology’. Fred Bullock assists Smith with locating and translating sources, writing to individuals on Smith’s behalf, and proofreading. Bullock’s wife Janet is also recruited by Smith to translate the veterinary works of Chiron, and then also to help proofread the new edition of ‘Veterinary Physiology’. A letter from Janet to Smith is included, and some of the topics of conversation between Smith and both correspondents become more personal and familiar. Particular topics discussed include: Smith looking for a new place to live, and moving to St Leonards in East Sussex; Fred and Janet Bullock’s son, Wilfred; difficulties with Smith’s publishers Bailliere, Tindall & Cox, and H & W Brown; sending copies of Smith’s ‘Veterinary History of the War in South Africa’ to newspapers to be reviewed; Fred Bullock applying for the post of Assistant Secretary at the Royal Society.
