Every man his own farrier in Australia: the origins and growth of a veterinary business in colonial New South Wales.

The study tells the story of John Pottie, a Scottish vet who established a successful veterinary business in colonial Australia, based on traditional European livestock care but adapted to the changing scientific landscape.

John Pottie: A Veterinary Pioneer

• John Pottie was a Scottish veterinary graduate from the Edinburgh Veterinary College, who emigrated to Australia in 1859. There he set up a veterinary business which has survived to the present day, still offering products derived from his original veterinary treatments.
• His story provides valuable insight into the history of the veterinary profession, particularly the transition from the pre-scientific to the scientific era of livestock care and treatment. His ability to adapt traditional methods to meet the needs of a new market and to incorporate scientific advancements into his practice is notably fascinating.

European Livestock Care Tradition and Its Adaptation in Australia

• Pottie brought with him a European care and treatment tradition for livestock, exemplified in Clater’s book “Every Man His Own Farrier”.
• He used this tradition as a basis to launch his business enterprise in Australia, a market that was new and different from what he had known in Europe.
• Although his initial training took place in the pre-scientific era, Pottie was capable of successfully bridging the gap between old traditions and the new scientific advancements of Pasteur and Koch.

Transition from Pre-Scientific to Scientific Veterinary Practice

• Pottie’s story demonstrates his ability to adapt and change in an era where the scientific approach started to gain momentum.
• His approach, besides showcasing his strong business acumen, also provides a snapshot of how professional veterinary qualifications increased in value in a new age of science.
• Pottie’s successful navigation through times of significant professional change signals his importance as a figure in the history of veterinary science.