Letters between Frederick Smith and Fred Bullock, Secretary of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons [RCVS]. The main subject of discussion is Smith researching and writing the second volume of ‘The Early History of Veterinary Literature’, with the assistance of Bullock and his wife Janet. Fred Bullock assists Smith by sending copies of articles and publications, writing to individuals on Smith’s behalf, translating and proofreading. Janet Bullock assists by translating Latin sources, and editing sections of Smith’s writing. Other major subjects of discussion include: the University of London challenging the ‘one portal’ system which creates the RCVS’s monopoly on veterinary licensing; Smith writing a paper to read at the Congress of History of Medicine, and contacting other people to suggest they do the same; searching for descendants of Bracy Clark, and searching for the death mask of St Bel [Sainbel], which was made by Clark; accessing manuscripts by William Moorcroft held by the India Office. Other topics discussed include: the ill health of Janet Bullock and their son, Wilfred; difficulties with Smith’s publishers Bailliere, Tindall & Cox, and decision to publish volume 2 in ‘The Veterinary Journal’ instead; Bullock’s heavy workload at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; Smith donating his artwork to the RCVS library, and giving advice about books to buy to add to the collection; Smith summarising the text of lectures made by Edward Coleman at the Royal Veterinary College London; Smith’s failure to be elected to the Royal Society; the veterinary profession, literature and education in general.
There are also included some letters by other authors, which were sent between Bullock and Smith as enclosures.
