M'Bride v. Williams and Dalzell

This was an action of damages at the instance of John Adam M'Bride, Ph.D. and Veterinary Surgeon, against William Williams, Veterinary Surgeon, Principal of the Edinburgh Veterinary College, and Allen Dalzell, M.D., Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medica in the College.

In September 1867 the pursuer was appointed by the Highland and Agricultural Society Professor of Cattle Pathology in the Veterinary College. In March 1868 the defenders sent to the pursuer a letter in the following terms:—

A copy of this letter was sent by the defenders to the Highland and Agricultural Society.

In June 1868 the pursuer received from the Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society a letter intimating that his services would not be required after 19th September following.

The pursuer pleaded—“The defenders having made the false statements as regards the unanimous agreement of the members of the Edinburgh Veterinary College, as well as the false and calumnious statements of and concerning the pursuer above condescended on, maliciously, and without probable cause, and the pursuer having been injured thereby, are liable to the pursuer in reparation, as concluded for.”