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: searching for and contacting descendants of Bracy Clark, the burial place of Edward Coleman, and the death mask of St Bel [Sainbel], which was made by Clark; accessing manuscripts by William Moorcroft held by the India Office; and Smith’s support (including financial) of Bullock and his wife’s study of the law. Other topics discussed include: Smith writing a paper for the Royal Society of Medicine; the ill health of Janet Bullock and their son, Wilfred; difficulties with Smith’s publishers Bailliere, Tindall & Cox; 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; the veterinary profession, literature and education in general.
There are also included some letters by other authors, such as John M’Fadyean of the Royal Veterinary College London, which were presumably sent between Bullock and Smith as enclosures.
