All Creatures Great and Small (1978–1990): Season 1, Episode 10 - Sleeping Partners - full transcript

Yes, hello? Who is it?

Are you there, Mr Herriot?
- Yes. Is that you, Mrs Burns?

Yes, Mr Herriot.
I brought your morning tea.

Tea?
- What time is it?

It's half past seven.
- Oh, no!

James, tell her
we just want to sleep.

After all the trouble she's gone to?

Mm-hm.
- Are you awake, Mr Herriot?

You go back to sleep.
I'll deal with it.

Mr Herriot!
- Yes, coming, Mrs Burns.

Good morning, Mr Herriot.
- It's an early good morning.

There's nothing like a pot of tea
to start the day right.

You shouldn't have bothered.

After all that trouble
you had getting here,

your car broken down,
missing your dinner.

The least I can do
is make a fuss of you, right?

Yes, but we had planned
to sleep in today.

So I gave you a good lie-in
before I woke you up.

That's kind of you but...

Sleep well?
- Very well, thank you.

And Mrs Herriot too, I hope?
- Yes, she slept well.

I spent my own wedding night
in that bed.

Aye, a long time ago, mind.

Fascinating.
- We didn't have anybody

to bring us up cups of tea
in the morning, though.

We are fortunate.
We'd better have this while it's hot.

Right you are. You do just that
and leave the rest to me.

Thank you, Mrs Burns.

Your morning tea, Mrs Herriot.

So I gather. Given the choice
I'd have preferred the extra sleep.

Given the choice, I...

Anyway, the tea's here, we're up,
so let's make the most of it.

How do you feel?

Like someone who's... pushed a car
across the Yorkshire Moors.

How do you feel?
- Wonderful!

You look different, you know?
- I do. How?

Until yesterday you were Helen
Alderson, a simple country girl.

Now this morning you're transformed

into the beautiful,
fascinating Mrs James Herriot.

You are romantic this morning.

It's not every morning
I find a new wife in my bed.

Never mind.
You'll enjoy this much more.

Are you in there, Mr Herriot?

Yes, I think so. What is it?
- Breakfast's ready.

Breakfast! Oh, no!
- Aren't you hungry?

Not just now, James.
- All right. Leave it to me.

Oh.

There you are, Mr Herriot.
- That's very kind of you but...

I don't always do
breakfast in bed, mind,

but with this being your honeymoon,
it's only right.

Yes. But we weren't
ready for it, you see.

Not ready for your breakfast?
Whatever do you mean?

We weren't quite ready
for so delicious a breakfast.

That's what I mean.
- Thank you, Mr Herriot.

It's nice to be appreciated.
- I appreciate it very much.

Mrs awake, is she?
- Just about.

Still in bed?
- Yes but this will soon have her up.

The poor lassie's tired out,
more than likely.

She is, rather.
- Well, you know what they say.

Treat her right on first night and
marriage will last without a fight.

No, I didn't know that.
- Oh, aye.

You don't want to let that
get cold now, do you?

No, of course not. Thank you.

Well, er... I'd better get downstairs.

Thank you.
- Aye.

Well, if you can't beat them,
you join them.

I think she feels sorry for us.

So do I!

Mm!
- Oh, yes.

Ooh, delicious!

Shall we eat, James?
- You try and stop me.

I'm sorry, Helen. This isn't
quite the honeymoon I'd planned.

Oh! It'll be wonderful.

Offering to test Ministry herds?
I must have been mad.

I don't mind what we do, James,
as long as I'm with you.

We'll be hard-pushed
to find time to ourselves.

I'm a vet's wife. I knew
what I was letting myself in for.

You're marvellous.
- Mm-hm.

And happy to be
with a husband I love.

Oh, I love you, Helen.

Mm... James.
- Mm?

The plate.
- Mm-hmm. Yes.

Oh, please, not again!

Are you in there, Mr Herriot?

Just about, Mrs Burns.
Won't be a moment.

I thought you'd like a fresh
pot of tea with your breakfast.

You read my mind.
- Breakfast all right?

Fine.
- Mrs enjoying it too, is she?

Perhaps you'd like to ask her.
- Oh, no thank you, Mr Herriot.

Two's company,
three's a crowd on these occasions,

if you know what I mean.
- Yes, I do.

Oh, and don't bother
about bringing down the dishes.

Thank you, Mrs Burns.
- If you'd like any hot water...

You mustn't bother again.

It's no trouble, Mr Herriot.
- Oh, but it is!

We've had more than enough already,
thank you, Mrs Burns.

Well, if you say so.
- Yes, I do, Mrs Burns.

Aye. Aye.

James... no messing about.

Busy, I see?

I'm dealing with my correspondence.

There are things to be done
before surgery.

No, Siegfried,
everything's under control.

Damn! Have you seen
that new length of calving rope?

Top left-hand drawer.
- Ah.

What do you mean?

Siegfried,
you know my exams are coming up.

Frightful, disgusting mess!

Look at it! Look at it! Look at it!

Look at it!

How is this business to function
with things in this state?

What are you looking for?

Stethoscope.
What do you think I'm looking for?

Try under your coat.

Coat? Which coat?
- The coat you have on.

Why didn't you tell me before?

You didn't ask.
- Can't hang around here.

I've got a vast amount of work on.
I'll be back late. You have to cope.

Before you go...
- I've got 15 visits to make,

including two calvings,
which means work, work, work.

Something you wouldn't
know much about.

I'm trying to tell you
that my exams are coming up

but if you're not interested...

Exams?

What exams?
- My finals.

It'll mean spending
a fortnight or so in Edinburgh.

A fortnight? Tristan,
why didn't you tell me?

I've been trying to!
- It's a fine time for exams.

James on honeymoon, you in Edinburgh.
How will I manage?

James will be back
and someone can take my place.

Oh, I suppose so.

I take it you've prepared
for these exams.

I think so.
- I've seen little evidence.

I've been working, you know.

No, I don't. In any case,
we'll soon find out.

I'm going to put you on
an intensive course of revision.

That's awfully kind.
It's not my way of working, though.

Your way of working is one of the
unsolved mysteries of our times.

You intend to succeed, don't you?
- Well, of course!

Then succeed you shall, my boy.

Right? Leave it all to me.

Goodbye.

Mr Herriot!
- Morning, Mrs Allen.

Is something wrong, Mrs Allen?

I didn't expect you.
- Why is that?

Mr Farnon said you were getting wed.

That's right.
We were married a few days ago.

Helen, my wife.
- Pleased to meet you.

It's about time this fella
got taken in hand.

Are you from these parts?
- Almost, Mrs Allen.

Heston Grange, near Earlsdale.

Well, I never! An Earlsdale lass
is more than he deserves.

Nothing but the best, Mrs Allen.

I've come to read the tests
that Mr Farnon did.

Read the tests?
- That's right.

Read tests? Muck about with cows
on your honeymoon?

Work stops for no man.
Well, not vets.

Aye, but not on
poor lass's honeymoon.

Oh, don't worry about her, Mrs Allen.
She'll do as she's told.

If she knows what's good for her.

Got yourself a rum 'un there, lass.

Don't you worry about him, Mrs Allen.
I'll soon sort him out.

We'd better get on with it.
- If you'll wait here,

I'll see if I can find my man.

That was wicked!
- What was?

Teasing Mrs Allen like that.
- There's no teasing about it.

You promised
to love, honour and obey.

That's precisely what you'll do,
especially obey.

I'll consider it if you agree
to keep your part of the deal.

What's that?
- To cherish, protect...

and worship.
- Oh, that's no problem.

I'll show you.

James! Not here!

Hello, Mr Allen. Just come
to read the tests on the cows.

Oh, aye?
- Yes.

I've brought my wife to help.
Helen, that's Mr Allen

and that's Jack and Robbie.
- Hello.

If you and Mrs Veterinary's ready,
t'cows are through t'bottom field.

Right.
Well, we'll... we'll get on with it.

Right, then. Now...

fractures of special parts,
the second phalanx.

The second phalanx?
- You heard.

And include in your answer fractures
of the coffin and navicular bones.

Er... coffin and navicular. Yes.

Well?
- I'm collecting my thoughts.

Heaven.
- Don't be so impatient!

Impatient? Me?
- Temper spoils my concentration.

Then for the Lord's sake stop being
an ignoramus and get on with it.

I didn't ask for this inquisition!
- Oh, I see.

There's gratitude for getting
your addled wits moving.

Either we take this test like
the real thing or we pack it in.

I'm sorry. It's just
a bad case of pre-final nerves.

Hm?

Well... yes.

Of course I understand.

I'll be all right on the day.
- Come on, then.

Er... fractures of the second phalanx,

including the coffin
and the navicular

Yes. Fractures of these bones
are rare, correct?

More explicit, please.

Yes. Er... caused by direct violence
or yes, following a neurectomy.

Excellent.

Now, then.

Explain, please, what you know
of listerella monocytogenes.

Listerella monocytogenes.
- Must you repeat everything I say?

It's irritating and won't endear you
to the examiners.

I'm not a machine.
It's just me thinking out loud.

Tip 185. Always think silently.
Silently.

Or they'll fail you
out of sheer bad temper.

I've got it!
- Eureka!

Listerella monocytogenes
causes listeriosis.

Proceed.

Yes, er... attacks... rodents...

ruminants,

er... poultry... pigs...

And...
- ..And...

You're doing it again.
- ..And man.

Precisely how I feel. Result?

Causes "ensephalitis"...
- Encephalitis - "kepha".

..and abortion in cattle and sheep.

And...
- And... wait! Er... yes.

Meningitis in man.
- The Lord be praised.

It's not information
you just roll off.

It might if you spent more time with
your books and less with a bottle.

Continue.
- There's something else?

You've just touched the surface.

A little knowledge
is more dangerous than none at all.

What else do you want to know?
- Seasonal occurrence,

means of infection, treatment.

Listeriosis occurs...
- Well?

Hang on. Is it spring and summer?

Spring and winter. Winter.

That's what I meant.
- Then say what you mean.

How is the infection spread? Get a
move on. Examiners wait for no man.

Er... the infection spreads
through milk...

urine...

faeces... aborted foetus.

Treatment. Quickly, quickly.
- Treatment!

If you repeat that again
it's what you'll need!

But there is none.
- Then for the Lord's sake, say so!

There is no known treatment
for listeriosis.

Heaven help the examiner.

Helen!

James! Welcome. Welcome home.

Helen, my dear, you look
simply ravishing. James, may I?

Of course.
- Thank you.

We had a wonderful time.
- It was all right, was it?

I wouldn't swap it
for all the sun in the Mediterranean.

James, how did it go?

Well, "Mrs Veterinary"
and I took it all in our stride.

We got rid of all the herds
on the list.

Marvellous.
I'd never have coped without you.

I've kept a bottle of malt
specially for this occasion!

Oh, yes, please.

Tristan,
perhaps you'd fetch it for us?

I think we should unpack first.

The farmers gave us enough food
to keep the house going for a month.

Excellent.
- I'll get the stuff.

Tristan, perhaps you'd help.
I'd like a word with James, if I may.

After you, Mrs Herriot.
- So kind, Mr Farnon.

I'm sure you know where
I've hidden that malt.

James.
- Yes.

James, I confess I feel guilty about
this whole tuberculin testing thing.

Don't. We were willing volunteers.
- Yes, I know. But, er...

I feel deeply grateful
and shan't forget your sacrifice.

We could've been mining salt
in Siberia for all we cared.

Then let's call the matter closed.
- Exactly!

There is just one thing
we should mention.

Er... yes, James.
- Erm... the partnership?

What about it?
- It was a generous gesture.

I'm deeply grateful
but you did spring it on me.

Shouldn't we have discussed it?
- What on earth for?

It is what you want, isn't it?
- Yes.

But more than I expected. Much more.

Are you sure
you've done the right thing?

Let me ask you a question, James.
Are you sure that it's what you want?

Everything that goes with being a
partner in a small country practice?

Long hours, actual hardships,
practically non-existent social life.

You forget the compensations.
- What about the money?

If you've any visions of wealth,
forget them.

We will never be rich doing this job.

I know there are easier ways
of making a living

but I'll take my chances.
- But think ahead, James.

At the best, if you can persuade
people to pay their bills,

you may make a halfway decent living
for you and Helen.

But at the worst, at times like now,

with millions of people
out of work and in real need,

well, if you can just manage
to keep your head above water...

It's true but the work's got
to be done and I like doing it.

Why? Gratitude?

Not all folk think of us
as knights in shining armour.

A lot of people
think we're expensive layabouts.

Parasites on
the agricultural community.

We are only of use to them
when things go wrong.

We are a necessary evil but
they need us as much as we need them.

I don't give a damn
what people think.

It's nice to be appreciated

but my satisfaction comes from
doing the job as well as I can

with the means at my disposal.

Perhaps that's part of
the fascination.

That's why I made you my partner.

Well, thank you, Siegfried.

No, think it less a gift,
more a burden to be shared.

You're impossible.
- Amen.

Come and get it.
- Ah.

Thank you.

My dears. Welcome home.

Mrs Hall!

Where shall I dump this lot?
- In t'basket. I'll burn 'em later.

I've been at Mr Farnon for years
to let me clear that much.

I think we're winning now.

Good day to you, ladies.
- Mr Farnon.

Siegfried, do you want to check
my new filing system?

What's she up to?

Excellent. Excellent.
- Shouldn't you check?

My dear, it's all in your
capable hands. Where's James?

In the surgery.
- Thank you.

Come along.

Ah, James. There you are.

Do you know Angus Grier,
the vet over at Broughton?

Heard of him.
- Take this cat to him.

It was his case before
the owner moved to our district.

What's the matter with it?
- Bladder stones job.

I don't want Grier to think we poach.

Fair enough.
- You'll find, er...

Angus Grier
quite an amusing old bird to meet.

He's a good vet but a mite touchy

where youngsters like yourself
are concerned.

You might have
quite an interesting experience.

Ready for the off, Tristan?

Give me five minutes
to say goodbye and I'll be with you.

Fine. I'll get the car ready.

You're off, then?
- To Edinburgh for my finals.

Reckon we'll have
another vet in the family soon?

That's the idea, yes.
- I wish you all the best.

Thank you, Mrs Hall.

You noisy lot.

Well, I'm off.

Erm... take care, Siegfried.

I'll see you out.

Got everything you need?
- Yes, thanks.

Got digs arranged and such?

It's all fixed up.
- Uh-huh.

Erm...

A little something
to smooth the journey for you.

That's kind. I don't...
- You'll miss your train.

Well, goodbye.

Good luck.
- Thank you.

Shut up!
- Shut up, you lot!

Mr Grier?
- Aye. You'll be Herriot.

Yes.
- Come in, laddie.

Thank you.

Clinton, second-year student.
- Hello.

Pansy-looking lot we're getting
in the profession these days.

How long have you been here?
- Over a month now.

He's away home tomorrow
when he could be learning the ropes.

Then it's back to college, is it?

No. I promised my mother
I'd spend a few days at home.

Can't stay away from the titty,
can you, Clinton?

Don't stand there.
Prepare the animal for surgery.

Yes, Edna?
- I tell him but does he listen?

Day in, day out...
- What are you blethering about?

Fires left burning all day,
nothing ever done right.

Waste and yet more waste,
day in, day out.

Will you not be ridiculous?
And put the fire back on. It's cold.

May be cold as he says
but that's no excuse.

Fires burning all day.
Telephone going non-stop.

Food eaten day in, day out.
Where will it all end?

Edna, this is not the time.

And that young man.
- Me, Mrs Grier?

What have you been up to, Clinton?
- Reading in bed late at night.

Lights burning,
papers rustling, night after night.

I warned you about that.

I do have to swot, Mrs Grier.

He may have to swot
but who has to pay the bill?

Who has to make the sums balance
at the end of the month?

That's James Herriot, Edna.
He's in the profession.

Mr Farnon's partner from Darrowby.

Hello, Mrs Grier.
- Pleased to meet him, I'm sure.

If you'll leave us, we've work to do.
We mustn't waste working time.

You'll watch fires?
- Yes.

Only dispense what's necessary.
- Just leave it all to me, Edna.

Clinton! I told you
to prepare that animal!

Now, do as I say, do you hear?
- Yes, Mr Grier.

Married are you, Herriot?
- Yes.

Aye. A man needs the support
of a sound and reliable wife

in this profession.
- Oh, I agree.

Been with Farnon long, have you?

About...
- Buy your way in, did you?

That wasn't necessary.
- Cunning young devil and no mistake!

I'm not quite with you.
- I've had clever fellas like you

trying to smarm their way
into the practice

but I'm no Siegfried Farnon,
you know.

That's quite obvious.
- Don't you get smart with me.

Ready for surgery, Mr Grier.

Aye. About time.

Care to watch, would you?
- Yes, if that's all right.

Watch closely, keep quiet
and you might learn something.

Right, Clinton.
Put your lily-white hands to work

and clean that lot up.
Me and Herriot have things to do.

I ought to get back to Darrowby.

Aye, you'll not want to move
the animal till it comes to.

No. No, of course not.

And we can't have you
idling around the surgery.

Or is that the way
you do things in Darrowby?

What is it you'd like me to do,
Mr Grier?

I've got a tricky bit of business
coming on one of the outlying farms.

In that case, of course I'll come.

Good lad.
- What's the problem?

Hm. They've got a cow
that's doing poorly.

Bad case of retained afterbirth.

That's a one-man job,
isn't it, Mr Grier.

I wouldn't ask you for your help
if I didn't need to.

Would I?

If you're sure but I don't have any
gear and I'm not dressed for it.

I've just remembered.
I've got something you can put on.

Er...

You'll find your gear in the back.

There's nothing in the back,
Mr Grier.

Open the box, laddie.

It's a calving outfit.
I got it a while back.

Just right for this kind of job.

Pretty heavy, isn't it?

A mite heavy,
but it'll keep you grand and clean.

Now stop fussing and get into it.

I'll call you when I want you.

Good day to you, Mr Grier.
- Aye.

How is she, Mr Adderley?

Not much use to her calf
till she's up and about.

Don't worry. Soon have her to rights.

I've even brought along
a colleague of mine,

a specialist in these matters.

Another specialist, eh?

Close! Close, dammit!

We're about ready for the specialist,
Mr Adderley.

Give him a shout, would you?

Hello.

You're wanted in here, mister.

It's snug on you, Herriot.

It's a bit too snug, Mr Grier.

What do you think of my colleague,
Mr Adderley?

I've not seen owt like it before.

This specialist fellow
looks like business, Mr Grier.

Consider yourself privileged to see
modern veterinary practice at work.

Progress, Mr Grier. It's amazing.

What you chaps
will come up with next.

Aye. This smart fella has come here

to show an old-fashioned dodderer
like me how to attend to your cow.

Am I right, Herriot?

Tell me what you want me to do.
This suit's none too comfortable.

Right you are, Herriot.

If you'd be so kind
as to pass yon pessary now.

Pass yon pessary?

Aye. The P-E-S-S-A-R-Y.

If you please.

I do know what a pessary is.
- Then pass it, laddie.

If you don't mind.

Now, ain't that something?

Er... Tolly, Mr Adderley,

kindly assist Mr Herriot to his feet,
if you will.

Thank you.

And now the pessary,
if you please, Herriot.

Thank you.

Kind of you, Herriot. Aye, most kind.

What else do you want me to do,
Mr Grier?

Do? I don't take your meaning,
laddie.

You've got me into this... thing
for some reason, haven't you?

I sure have. And you've done it.

Thank you, laddie.

Thank you kindly
for your expert help.

Come on, come on, come on.

Double bezique.

I was wondering
where those cards were hiding.

Well, now you know.
- Why not show them separately?

I wanted to see your face
when I put them all down.

If I'd known
James was marrying a sadist...

Another 500 points,
if you please, Siegfried.

From now on, I shall show no mercy.

Must be James.

Never mind. I can wait.
- Hello, darling.

One, two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine.

Now, then, James.
- Thank you.

How was your day with Grier?

That vindictive old devil.
Don't talk about him.

Didn't hit it off?
- You knew I wouldn't.

Why didn't you tell me?

I said he had an odd attitude
towards younger colleagues.

The understatement of the year!

Hell for young vets
must surely be working for him.

If I never see him again
it'll be too soon.

Never mind. Another thread in
the tapestry of your life. Whisky.

Thank you.
You're looking pleased with yourself.

It can't be his good fortune
at bezique, I thrashed him.

I'm allowing her
the illusion of victory.

My mind's on other matters. To be
precise, on Tristan's replacement.

Oh, yes.
I meant to ask you about that.

With Tristan here we were busy.
Now it'll be murder.

Precisely my feelings, James.

That's why I've done something.
We'll have a student here.

Helen, have you seen
that letter lately?

It's in the Ministry file,
marked "Current".

James, your wife shows
such talent for organisation.

Our paperwork's never been
in such good order.

Yes, here it is.

Now, then.

He's a young fellow called Carmody.
Richard Carmody.

Wilson, the Ministry man,
recommends him very highly.

Any experience of rural work?

No, just town and mixed.

But he seems a bright lad.
Final year London, all that.

He arrives tomorrow.
- He wants picking up?

No, he doesn't. He's booked into
the Reniston for the duration.

The Reniston? What sort of student
can afford to stay there?

No ordinary one.

Good morning. My name is Carmody.

Oh, Mr Carmody, won't you come in?
- Thank you.

I'm Mrs Herriot. Mr Farnon
and my husband are expecting you.

Siegfried, James,
Richard Carmody is here.

Ah! Well done!

Siegfried Farnon. How do you do?
- Mr Farnon.

This is my partner, James Herriot.
- Hello, Carmody.

Well, all settled in, I trust?

Quite settled in.
- How is the Reniston?

It serves its purpose.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
- I think so.

Good. Excellent.
I'm delighted to have met you.

I'll leave my colleague
to show you the ropes.

Of course, Mr Farnon.

Goodbye.
- Bye!

This is the first time
you've seen country work?

No, I spend summers
on the family estate in Berkshire.

Hardly the Yorkshire Dales.

Obviously. But one farm
is pretty much like another.

Hm, perhaps.
Anyway, this is the surgery.

So I see.

Instrument cupboard there.
- Yes, quite.

And we do our dispensing here.

Adrivan?
- Yes.

Still using it?
- It's the best we've got.

New compounds made it extinct.
- They cost five times as much.

To farmers, money's most important.
- Quite.

Well, I trust our little tour
is over. So when do we commence work?

Morning surgery starts
in half an hour.

Small animal stuff?
- Yes.

I was hoping to focus on larger work.

Don't worry, Carmody.
You'll see plenty of that.

You'll need protective clothing.
- Yes, quite.

Galoshes are not
very efficient for this kind of work.

I'll manage, Mr Herriot.

Suit yourself.

Hello, Mr Earnshaw.
- Afternoon, Veterinary.

The little fella's
been limping summat bad.

He's got joint ill. It's an infection
through the navel after birth.

You reckon you can fix him up,
do you?

We've caught it in plenty of time.
I'm sure he'll be fine.

Just get my things from the car.

Excuse me.

Here you are, Mr Earnshaw.
One of those three times a day.

Right.

She's gone down t'nick
ever since she calved.

I reckon meself
she's fit for nowt but dog meat.

Yes, she looks bad, all right.

Keeping her in conditions
like that hasn't exactly helped.

I can't keep her with t'other beasts.
Not if she's got summat catching.

Well, let's have a look at her.

Went off her cake first, did she?

Aye, that's right.
- Lost weight rapidly?

Never seen a cow go down so fast.

I see. Well, you can stop worrying,
Mr Smith.

She's got nothing infectious.
It's slow fever.

Is it?!

Had a day of it, I see.
- You could say that, yes.

How did you find it, Carmody?
- Interesting.

Far cry from the work you're used to?

It's the approach to it
I find intriguing.

Oh? In what way?
- This is not the time or place.

Praise or criticism, all alike to us,
aren't they?

Of course.
- I had a few points to clear up.

What points?
- Excuse me a moment.

That calf we saw.
- Mr Earnshaw's. What about it?

You diagnosed joint ill.
- Yes.

You were mistaken.
- How do you get that?

There was only one joint involved -
the knee.

That's all it takes.
- But the navel was dry.

So what is your diagnosis?
- A sprained knee.

The calf's temperature was 105,
high for a sprained knee.

Did you check for other signs?
- It wasn't necessary.

That calf could have had
any number of things wrong with it

which might explain
its high temperature.

But we can agree to differ.
- Yes, you can.

I call round one even.
Anything else, Carmody?

Just one more point.
- Oh, yes?

That cow of Mr Smith's. You said
it had contracted... what was it?

Ah, yes. Slow fever.
- Yes, yes, yes.

You meant acetonemia?
- Slow fever is the local name.

So I gathered. Acetonemia
is one of my areas of interest.

Any conclusions as to its causes?

Obviously it had to do
with liver dysfunction.

Yes, but the cause
of that interests me.

Siegfried is the theorist
around here, aren't you?

What? Quite.

Yes. Acetonemia. Well...

I agree really with what James said.

And the fact that it occurs in cattle

within three weeks of calving is,
er... significant.

But the causes of the failure...
- I'd be interested in your views.

I can't decide which theory
I endorse at the moment.

Stevens maintains it is
oxidisation of the fatty acids.

Others lean towards
liver intoxication.

My own view is that if we
can pinpoint the exact cause

of the production of diacetic
and beta-oxybutyric acids,

we'd be on the way
to solving the problem.

Yes.
- That's all my notes for now.

Excuse me. I've arranged
to dine at the Reniston.

Good night, gentlemen.