Introduction As the American College of Theriogenologists (ACT) celebrates 50 years since its inception in 1971, it is appropriate to pause and reflect on the events that lead to its creation and to honor the vision and the efforts of those involved. Fortunately, some of the early letters and documents associated with the formation of the ACT have been preserved in a 500+ page tome entitled “EARLY FILES OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF THERIOGENOLOGISTS.” Affectionately referred to as the “Red Book,” it is a compilation of early records, photocopied and bound into a book. In the copy that is in the ACT archives, there is the hand-written inscription: “No. 4 of ten. For: Dr. Fayne Oberst. It is my hope that this volume will serve as a reminder of a worthy task. Dave Bartlett 5 November 1985.” As only 10 copies were produced, and the whereabouts of some is unknown, it has been a large inaccessible source of the College’s history. Until now! In a quest to write a narrative about the formation of the ACT, I became aware of the existence of the Red Book and accessed the copy that is in the ACT archives. Most of the pages were photocopies of correspondence or docu- ments, with the majority being typed pages, and a few hand-written letters. Although some of the documents were rather mundane, it was obvious that there were also several ‘nuggets of gold,’ although one had to look care- fully to find them! As the contents of the Red Book chronicle the formation of the ACT, it is an important part of our heritage and deserves The American College of Theriogenologists, from its pedigree to the neonatal period John Kastelic Professor of Theriogenology, Head of the Department of Production Animal Health University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Abstract Early letters and documents associated with the formation of the American College of Theriogenologists (ACT) were photocopied and bound to become the so-called ACT “Red Book,” with more than 500 pages. As only 10 of these books were produced, this important source of our history is relatively inaccessible. Recently, this book was professionally scanned into a single, searchable file (.pdf format) and a Table of Contents produced, with both files available on the ACT website (www.theriogenology.org). This article, based exclusively on information from that book, briefly reviews some of the key events in 19th century animal reproduction, the roots of the Society for Theriogenology (SFT) and efforts to create the ACT. Keywords: American College of Theriogenologists, charter diplomate, history to be more readily available. I had the entire book profes- sionally scanned, creating a single, large .pdf file, that can be electronically searched. Furthermore, I perused all pages and created a Table of Contents. Both the .pdf of the book and the Table of Contents are available on the ACT website (www.theriogenology.org). This article is based exclusively on information derived from the Red Book; the pages cited correspond to the page numbers of the scanned .pdf file (the Red Book is a compilation and does not include page numbers). The objectives of this article were to: 1) draw attention to the digitized copy of the Red Book and its accompanying Table of Contents (available on www.theriogenology.org); 2) highlight some of the key events in animal reproduction in the 19th century, the pedigree of the SFT and the creation of the ACT; and 3) convey some of the challenges and the amusing anecdotes recorded within the covers of the Red Book. Animal reproduction prior to the ACT The history preceding the formation of the ACT was reviewed by Dr. Dave Bartlett in the inaugural David E. Bartlett Lecture Award, presented at the Annual Fall Conference of the Society for Theriogenology in Denver, Colorado, in September, 1984, and the penultimate article in the Red Book.476-489 In this article, Dr. Bartlett summarized many of the highlights of the history of the ACT’s formation. In addition, the last article of the Red Book is the second Bartlett address, 490-512 given by Dr. Clinical Theriogenology 2021; 13: 121 Steve Roberts at the Annual Fall Conference in Sacramento, California, in 1985, just before the Red Book was bound. In this article, there is a brief summary of animal reproduction in the 20th century, highlighting key persons and events. Both articles provide an interesting background regarding theriogenology and formation of the ACT. One of the most influential veterinarians in animal reproduc- tion in the USA was Dr. Walter L. Williams (1856-1945).492 He attended the Illinois Industrial University (which subsequently became the University of Illinois) and the Montreal Veterinary College, graduating from the latter in 1879. He practiced in Bloomington, Illinois for 12 years, taught for 1 year at Purdue University and 3 years at the Montana Agricultural College, before serving as Professor of Surgery and Obstetrics at Cornell University from 1896 to 1921; thereafter, he was Professor Emeritus at Cornell for the remainder of his life.492 He was the author of classic books in our discipline, inclu- ding “Veterinary Obstetrics” (published in 1909 and revised in 1917, 1931, 1940 and 1943) as well as “Diseases of the Genital Organs of Domestic Animals” (published in 1921 and revised in 1939 and 1943). These books were translated into Spanish and Italian and were widely used in the USA and throughout the world.492 The next generation and direct descendent, Dr. W.W. Williams (the son of Dr. W.L. Williams, born in 1892) received his DVM from Cornell in 1915.494 In the mid-1920’s, he collaborated with Alfred Savage (of the Manitoba Agricultural College) and undertook a study in bull fertility evaluation, regarded as the first large study of infertility in animals or humans.494-496 Dr. W.W. Williams subsequently earned his medical degree (1935) and established a human infertility clinic and practice in Springfield Massachusetts in 1936.496 Erik Blom, the famous Danish veterinary andrologist, remarked that “This scientist never forgot his veterinary past.”496 He was a founding member of the American Society for the Study of Infertility (essentially a “human counterpart” of the Society for Theriogenology) and the International Fertility Association, with their corresponding journals. Furthermore, he appreciated the value of comparative reproductive biology and invited many veterinarians to present at meetings of these associations. In recognition of his contri- butions to theriogenology, Dr. W.W. Williams was designated an Honorary Diplomate of the ACT.496 In the era immediately after the second world war, horses as a means of transportation or pulling power were being increasingly replaced by automobiles and tractors.476 However, there were rising numbers of dairy and beef cattle being raised, and some research in bovine reproduction, mainly infertility and reproductive losses (primarily brucellosis).476 In addition, cryopreservation of bull semen was introduced and there were studies to improve and expand its utiliza- tion. Most of the research in animal reproduction was being conducted by animal scientists and physiologists, but very few were veterinarians.476-477 Origins of the Society for Theriogenology There was no formal association of veterinarians in the USA interested in animal reproduction until 1954, when the “Rocky Mountain Society for the Study of Breeding Soundness in Bulls” (RMSSBSB) was formed in Colorado. The impetus for the crea- tion of this group were severe blizzards in northern Colorado and Wyoming in 1949-50, killing thousands of farm animals and causing severe scrotal frostbite in beef bulls.501 Prior to the breeding season in 1950, Colorado State University veterinarians, including Harold Hill and Lloyd Faulkner, were asked to assist private practitioners to evaluate bull breeding soundness.501 The objectives of the RMSSBSB were to standardize and share the essentials for evaluation of beef bulls for fertility. Development of the W.G.R. Marden electroejaculator in the late 1950’s faci- litated the collection of bull semen.502 In 1966, the RMSSBSB changed its name to become the “American Society for the Study of Breeding Soundness” (ASSBS), with increasing membership, broader geographical distribution, and inclusion of the bovine female.477 By 1967, it had become the American Veterinary Society for the Study of Breeding Soundness (AVSSBS), and in 1974, it changed its name to the Society for Theriogenology, although during a transitional phase of 4 years, both names were used.495 In the early years, the Society periodically produced a journal, published “When the spirit moved and the time permitted.”502 Early attempts to create the ACT In the mid-1960’s, the AVMA formed their Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialities to promote formation of specialty groups.477 After unsuccessful attempts by the ASSBS to get reproduction established as a specialty group, in 1967, the AVSSBS believed that “formation of a specialty board in animal reproduction is appropriate and timely” and indicated that a proposed Constitution, By-Laws, and Certification Procedure for the proposed board had been created.6 The speciality group was originally termed “The American Veterinary Board of Animal Reproduction” but subsequently “Board” was replaced with “College,” likely in 1967.29,32 Furthermore, it was noted that the proposed board would allow a practitioner in the field to become certified, making “this board unique among the boards already in existance within the frame-work of the A.V.M.A., in that there is a definite area with which the prac- titioner can become associated and identified.”6 It was noted that a meeting with representatives of the A.V.M.A. had been scheduled for 22 February 1967, prior to a meeting with the Specialty Advisory Board.6 The AVSSBS had written a first draft of a proposed constitution and by-laws for a proposed specialty group, The American College of Veterinary Reproduction; these documents were received by the A.V.M.A. Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties on 10 February 1967, prior to a scheduled meeting of the reproduction group on 21-23 February 1967, at which their proposal would be further developed.7 The A.V.M.A. expressed their willingness to support these efforts, but they also indicated that they “suggest careful consideration before an application is submitted.”7 The American Association Clinical Theriogenology 2021; 13: 122 of Equine Practitioners (A.A.E.P.) expressed their support for formation of a Specialty Board of Animal Reproduction, noting that “The A.A.E.P. believes that there is a definite need for such a Board and that it would serve to advance the knowledge of this complex field.”8 In a letter to several colleagues dated 16 March 1967, Fayne Oberst noted that the constitution and bylaws for the specialty group had been revised and there was an initial decision to petition for specialty recognition on 1 April 1967, although based on comments from the A.V.M.A, perhaps it was prudent to wait until 1968.9-10 It was subsequently reported that the request for recognition was only to be a discussion item at the meeting on 1 April 1967.26 Spring of 1970 and a new initiative The Red Book contains no record of what happened over the next 3 years. However, it was noted that “Activities of 1970 began with a phone call from Faulkner to Bartlett with request that the latter undertake negotiations with the AVMA’s Advisory Committee on Veterinary Specialties.”57 In a letter (24 March 1970) from Lloyd Faulkner to Jim Scott, it was stated that Dave Bartlett would be the logical contact with the AVMA to complete negotiations with the Advisory Committee on Specialties.58 Furthermore, the work of Jim Scott and the AVSSR to bring recognition to the group was acknowledged.58 In that letter, it was referred to as the “College-To-Be.” In the spring of 1970, Dr. Lloyd Faulkner (Colorado State University) initiated a new Organizing Committee that included: Raimunds Zemjanis (University of Minnesota), Stephen Roberts (Cornell University), Fayne Oberst (Michigan State University), John Kendrick (University of California-Davis) and David Bartlett (American Breeders Service, DeForest, WI).477-478 Drafts of previous constitutions for an “American Veterinary Board of Animal Reproduction” and an “American Veterinary College of Animal Reproduction,” originally drafted by the AVSSBS, were modified to better match the expectations of the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties. Regardless, when the Organizing Committee met with Board of Veterinary Specialties in March, 1970, they faced considerable scepticism.478 At that time, many topics and procedures related to reproduction, in both large and small animals, were managed by surgeons or internists, and there were very limited numbers of practitioners or university faculty who had a reproduction focus. In 1971, Dr. Bartlett “shared his disappointment during visits to large herds of dairy cattle that tracks of dinosaurs were more evident than those of veterinarians.”169 Furthermore, much of the research on animal reproduction was being done by non-veterinarians in animal science or dairy science faculties. In that regard, The American Society of Animal Science had periodic symposia on animal reproduction and the Society for the Study of Reproduction was very active.478 It was noted (18 May 1970) that a meeting had been held with the AVMA on 7 May 1970 and that the Constitution had been changed as a result of that meeting, with the major change being deletion of the category “Fellow.”68 Soon thereafter, a meeting with the AVMA’s Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties was arranged for 24 June 1970 at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.86,89 At that meeting, Kendricks, Oberst, Carroll, Faulkner, and Bartlett represented the ACT, with Wagner as an interested guest.94 Following that meeting, Bartlett noted that the Constitution had been further refined.106 Origins of theriogenology and theriogenologist Although the term ‘theriogenology’ is now widely known and accepted, that was not always the case. Typical historical names for our discipline included veterinary obstetrics, genital diseases, animal reproduction, veterinary reproduction or breeding soundness, none of which were all-encompassing. Although veterinary gynecology and veterinary andrology were established in Europe, these terms were misleading, as according to their Greek origins, “gynos” means woman and not female and “andros” means man and not male.375 When he was a faculty member at the University of Minnesota in the 1950’s, Dave Bartlett had a discussion with a scholar of classical languages and the term ‘theriogonlogy’ was derived.479 On 2 April 1951, Dave Bartlett was lecturing to veterinary students and Les Larson recorded in his lecture notes the use of the term «Theriogonology.»447 In a letter (14 May 1970) Dave Bartlett stated that “I do hear a bit of static on the term American Veterinary College of Animal Reproduction. This actually means the American College pertaining to animals of animal reproduction. At best this is redundant. At least it is awkward.”61 In addition, he stated that about 20 years earlier, he had consulted with a Greek scholar and noted that animal reproduction had gone beyond the available terminology.62 Furthermore, he stated that “This week, I consulted with Professor Howe, University of Wisconsin, who teaches their course in Latin and Greek Medical termi- nology.”62 He reminded me that theatrics and theriotheraphy referred to veterinary medicine and treatment of the diseases of lower animals, respectively. Furthermore, he also noted that “Notice how in therianthropic the root was used to hold distinct animal from man. Therio is an interesting possibility.”62 Furthermore, he remarked that “the root word gen means: the coming into being of anything.” Thereafter, he stated “It is quite acceptable to combine the two Greek roots into the term theriogenology, meaning, very neatly, animal reproduction.” At the close of the letter, he stated: “What do you think about an American College of Theriogenologists or an American Board of Theriogenology?”63 A few days later, Steve Roberts noted that he had carefully considered Bartlett’s letter and that both he and his colleague K. McEntee approved the title “American College of Theriogenologists.”85 On 28 September 1970, Bartlett sent Professor Howe a note, indicating that “the word theriogenology seems to be having further results.” In addition, he stated that “I wanted you to know that your suggestion and counsel have Clinical Theriogenology 2021; 13: 123 been valuable and very genuinely appreciated.”108 Howe replied: “I am glad my brain child, theriogenology, was acceptable to the brethren. Surely, the only sufferers from such a name would be the animals, who won’t understand it anyway.”113 In the inaugural Bartlett address (1984), Dave Bartlett commented: “In retrospect, the limited amount of derision and ridicule elicited upon introduction of two new terms, theriogenology and theriogenologist, was more amusing than significant. It was short lasting. Students, who were already assimilating and digesting hundreds, if not thousands, of new words each year, were unmoved. For older veterinarians, whose professional vocabularies already included many thousands of words, addition of two more words should be of no consequence. Theriogenology was soon found to be no more difficult to say than otolaryngology or anesthesiology.”483 One person, a Greek veterinarian who had been a graduate student with Steve Roberts, wrote to his former supervisor and called into question the use of the term theriogenology.450-464 In turn, Roberts sent a note to Dave Bartlett, who rebutted those concerns. Bartlett stated: “Steve, in no way do I feel qualified to debate the meaning of ancient or modern Greek words with a contemporary Greek. I must recognize the qualities of myself: although I’m reaching the age of disqualification as a contem- porary, I’m somewhat short of qualifying as ancient! Especially, as a Greek.”457 In 1984, Bartlett arranged another meeting with Professor Howe (who was retired) and who reiterated that the word theriogenology was still relevant and appropriate.462 Fall of 1970, progress continues Another critical step in the formation of the ACT was the Conference of North American Educators in Animal Reproduction and Infertility (Theriogenology), held at Brainard, Minnesota on 30 August to 3 September 1970, hosted by Zemjanis.104-105 Bartlett was unable to attend, but prepared an audio tape98 that was transcribed.99-103 There were 41 actively participating educa- tors at the conference, from 23 of the 24 veterinary schools/ colleges in the USA and Canada.105 This was the first time that many of these veterinary educators in reproduction had met in person.481 In the conference summary, the first 2 items were: “1) Theriogenology or animal reproduction is a speciality that is an integral part of the veterinary curriculum; and 2) The word theriogenology should replace the phrase animal reproduction and obstetrics in the veterinary vocabulary.”481 It was noteworthy that at this conference, Zemjanis was reported to have stated that “Theriogenology just can’t make it as a liberal art.”486 Soon after the educator’s conference in the fall of 1970, the Organizing Committee changed its name to the “Organizing Committee for the American College of Theriogenology.”481 A list of potential Charter Diplomates was prepared, and those persons were invited to submit CVs and publications to the Organizing Committee and the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties. In September 1970, the Organizing Committee elected a panel of Charter Diplomates; they were asked to forward their CV and those documents, plus a revised copy of the Constitution, were sent to the Board on Veterinary Specialties in early 1971.212 As would be expected, creating the list of Charter Diplomates resulted in some regrets. In the inaugural Bartlett Address, Dave Bartlett stated: “The only regrettable occurrences that marred ACT’s otherwise smooth emergence into the mainstream of veterinary medicine were the expressed disappointments – some very bitter – of a few, well qualified and prominent veterinarians not included among the necessarily limited number of Charter Diplomates.”483 On 8 December 1970, Bartlett sent a formal request to the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties, for probational reco- gnition of the ACT as a veterinary specialty organization.114-116 It was noted that there was an organizing committee of 7 persons, with another 22 invited to submit their CV to be considered as Charter Diplomates. Finally, it was noted that the first examination for new Diplomates would be held in the fall of 1971.116 Soon thereafter (16 December 1970), Bartlett wrote to the organizing committee, indicating the need for having “the most dignified and handsome certificate of membership that can be created.” He emphasized the importance of this and stated “that this is not the time to save money or to search for the lowest bidder.”117-118 Remarkably, it was subsequently noted (November 1972) that “Cliff Barker expressed his revulsion for the Diploma of the ACT and the half-wit who designed it. Several other members nodded their accord and Brother John Williams gave the sentiment his blessing, but the Secretary offered to whip ‘em all. John explained that the quality of the paper, not the design, was the problem. President Bartlett saved the demise of the Secretary by announcing that the Executive Board would consider the matter and make its recommendation to the College at its annual meeting in Philadelphia in July 1973”361-362 He also noted that the AVMA had announced the ACT and an explanation of “theriogenology;” this appeared in the 15 December 1970 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.120,481 Bartlett, Faulkner, and Oberst met with the Advisory Board on Veterinary Specialties on 12 March 1971. There was broad support for the petition to form the ACT, only minor changes suggested and assurance that there was an expectation of probational approval by the Board and House of Delegates in 1971.129 In a subsequent letter (3 May 1971), it was noted that the AVMA Council on Education had met on 23-25 April, reviewed the recommendations of the Advisory Board and recommended that the Executive Board and House of Delegates grant probationary approval to the ACT.137 The ACT is born! The organizing meeting of the ACT was on 19 July 1971 at the Detroit Hilton Hotel,158 as part of the 1971 Joint Annual Meeting of the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations.162-163 In the minutes of that meeting,164-171 it was noted that 17 of Clinical Theriogenology 2021; 13: 124 28 Charter Diplomates were present. The President, Secretary and Treasurer were Bartlett, Faulkner and Oberst, respectively, whereas Roberts, Barker and Zemjanis were Board Members with 1-, 2- and 3-year terms. It was subsequently noted (1984) that none of the 6 members of the Organizing Committee had held office after 1976.484 There were 2 subcommittees, 1 for developing standards and procedures for certification and another for developing the scope of the examination.158 It was noted that Charter Diplomates were chosen by ballot from a list of approximately 70 and that all had a minimum of 10 years of post-DVM experience.169 Furthermore, it was recommended that the AVSSBS change their name to include the term “therioge- nology.”170 The Final Draft of the Constitution was adopted on 19 July 1971 and submitted to the AVMA for Filing with the Articles of Incorporation in Illinois on 3 December 1971.142- 156 In August 1971 at Detroit, the ACT received probationary approval by the AVMA’s House of Delegates.212-213 The first invitation to veterinarians interested in candidacy for Diplomate status was written on 16 August 1971196 and a Petition to Candidacy was prepared.197-199 This was advertised in JAVMA; it was noted that applications were due on 15 March 1972, with a written examination of approved candidates to be held at the AVMA meeting in New Orleans, with successful candidates then proceeding to an oral examination at the AVSSBS meeting in East Lansing in the fall of 1972. To sustain the momentum, an ACT Executive Board meeting was planned for the Red Fox Inn, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on 6 October 1971. Minutes of this meeting included a decision to limit the first examination to the 10 most qualified candi- dates.216-219 Furthermore, the AVSSBS and ACT planned to jointly sponsor a half-day program devoted to theriogenology at the AVMA meeting in New Orleans (18-21 July 1972). Finally, the minutes also mentioned that: “Roberts was gung-ho to arrange an informal, unofficial liar’s seminar on Bourbon Street. Zemjanis suggested that Roberts should be in a Geriatrics Society.”218 The first class of diplomates by examination The first written examination of the ACT was given in New Orleans on 17 July 1972. There were 8 petitions for candidacy, of which 6 were accepted, 1 was denied and 1 subsequently withdrew. A list of study materials (Selected articles in Theriogenology 1971) was prepared and distributed to candidates.266,286-316 Although obviously now very dated, this list provides an overview of the foundational knowledge current at that time. Of the 6 candidates for the written examination in New Orleans, 5 passed274 and were subjected to an oral examination in East Lansing on 5 November 1972.280,357 It was subsequently noted that were an additional 5 successful candidates in 1973.378 At the ACT meeting on 5 November 1972, Myron Fincher, Walter Gibbons and Willard Boyd were accepted as Honorary Members of the ACT.361 It was noted (1972) that some prospective candidates failed to petition because the objective of the examination were unclear.280-281 Furthermore, it was also stated that the inaugural examination was “heavily oriented to the clinical application of knowledge in theriogenology. An excellent suggestion was made that the Examining Committee should develop an exami- nation which allows the examinee some choice in the area of emphasis in which he has particular expertise. The examination could cover one optional area of emphasis and a mandatory general section.”281 Further activities and developments At a meeting of the Executive board on 19 July 1972 in New Orleans, there was a discussion regarding financial matters, including the amount of funds that should be held in reserve. In the minutes, which were signed by Secretary Faulkner, it was stated that: “The meeting adjourned without further consideration of designation of amount to be held in reserve for exigency and ceiling on this operating budget. Your secretary assumes that this lack of diligence can be attributed to the lewd ambitions on the part of the Board to get to the riverboat blast. The secretary retired to the city library.”283 The ACT Liaison Committee was formed during the annual meeting in New Orleans in July 1972.327 The purpose of this committee was to ensure a smooth working relationship with the AVSSBS and “to develop useful professional relationships with other organizations as circumstances may dictate and your judgement see fit.”327 At the ACT Executive Board meeting on 6 October 1971, the commitment of the ACT to work with the AVSSBS was emphasized and it was noted that the latter organization would revise its constitution and by-laws to include the word theriogenology or theriogenologists.218 In presentation to the AVSSBS in 1971,209-215 Bartlett noted that “It is the intention that this College will be very closely related to the Society and it is the intention that the members of the College will maintain dual membership.”214 Furthermore, he also stated that a Liaison Committee between the College and the Society had been appointed and that a working relationship was developing.214-215 In 1972, there were concerns that the “College is presently too heavily oriented toward the bovine; our program must be broadened to provide consistent interest in theriogenology in horses, swine, dogs, cats and other domestic and laboratory animal species.”360 Furthermore, in 1972, it was noted that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) had invited the ACT to participate in its 40th Annual Meeting in San Antonio. “This emphasizes the profound need for the College to broaden its scope of interest in theriogenology to include the small animals and laboratory animals.”363 Bartlett subsequently addressed the AAHA, explaining the process of establishing the ACT, activities in the early days of the College and the desire to encourage more small animal theriogenologists.373-379 In 1972, it was stated that: “It is most desirable to achieve a balance of disciplinary and species interests within the College.”276 Clinical Theriogenology 2021; 13: 125 Consequently, the ACT Committee on Horses was also formed during the annual meeting in New Orleans in July 1972321 and the following was recorded: “It is recognized in the deliberations to date of ACT, personalities involved with theriogenology of cattle have predominated. It is intent of this organization to avoid unilateralness. In consequence, a Committee on Horses has been established in order to consider and advise as to what needs to be done to further this speciality within the equine species.”321 The ACT also formed a Committee on Practitioner Education.358 “Raising the level of competence of veterinary practitioners in the field of theriogenology has been a primary goal of the College during its organization and since its recognition. Initial efforts to include a category of membership for practitioners in the College were not acceptable to the AVMA’s Advisory Board on Specialty Groups. Our dedication to serving the needs of the practitioner of theriogenology abides, however.”358 Getting ‘theriogenology’ into the dictionary and beyond Bartlett contacted colleagues at a number of veterinary schools, asking them to alert him once the term “theriogenology” began to appear in the descriptions of university course calendars.397-400 Once the word started to appear in print, Bartlett contacted a number of dictionaries, alerting them of the terms “therioge- nology” and “theriogenologist,” explaining the origins of the words and providing evidence of use (including photocopies of university course catalogs and other printed materials where the word was being used). Presumably, he was aware that the name Dr. Murray was associated with the Oxford Dictionary and so he sent a letter directed to him. In a reply from the Oxford Dictionary on 15 August 1973, it was stated that “Dr. Murray died in 1915 and it falls to me to reply to your letter of 23 July.”426 In a letter to Dr. John Williams, Bartlett commented on an announcement that had appeared in the University of Georgia newsletter, stating: “I was glad to see that at some University a little originality, dignity, and class have been left with a College permitting it to develop an attractive announcement of their program. From most institutions today the college announcements appear as if they had been created by an army of occupation for an occupied country.”401 Theriogenology textbooks and a journal It was noteworthy that in the second edition of his book (1971), Roberts entitled it “Veterinary Obstetrics and Genital Diseases (Theriogenology).”262-263 In a post-script of a letter sent to Bartlett (5 June 1972), Roberts indicated that he was leaving Cornell and heading to Vermont.262 In a Cornell report, it was noted that after 30 years as a professor at Cornell, Roberts will become Emeritus as of July 1, 1972.264 The third edition of this book, “Genital Diseases and Obstetrics (Theriogenology),” was publi- shed in 1984. In 1980, “Current Therapy in Theriogenology,” a multi-author book edited by Diplomate David Morrow, was published.485 Furthermore, the journal “Theriogenology: An International Journal of Animal Reproduction” was launched in 1974, edited by Charter ACT Diplomate John Kendrick,485 with Diplomate Victor Shille taking over in 1980 (and conti- nuing until 2003). Foreshadowing future challenges It is noteworthy that some of the current challenges faced by the ACT were already present in the early years! For example, even in the first year of the ACT, there were already some Charter Diplomates who were slow to pay their dues,221 prompting a subsequent query if any had to be removed from the roster due to nonpayment.228 Regarding the difficulties to get persons to commit, in a letter to the Executive Board on 9 August 1973, Secretary Faulkner admonished his colleagues to “GRIT YOUR TEETH and RESOLVE to do what is NECESSARY for the GOOD of the COLLEGE, or ADMIT that you DON’T CARE MUCH for THERIOGENOLOGY by your ABSENCE.”436 Although we are perhaps inclined to think of it as a recent matter, Maintenance of Certification was part of the original by-laws, requiring Diplomates to retain records of professional activities and continuing education.41 Summary The objectives of this article were to: 1) draw attention to the digitized copy of the Red Book and its accompanying Table of Contents (available on www.theriogenology.org); 2) highlight some of the key events in animal reproduction in the 19th century, the pedigree of the SFT and the creation of the ACT; and 3) convey some of the challenges and the amusing anecdotes recorded within the covers of the Red Book. Although this article does not summarize all information included in the Red Book, it provides many key dates and activities in the formation of the ACT. Having the .pdf file and the Table of Contents online and the ability to search the .pdf for key words, will make it easy to access and retrieve information. Clinical Theriogenology 2021; 13: 126 The American College of Theriogenologists,from its pedigree to the neonatal period