PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
OF 
AMALGAM 
EXAMINED. 
IN A LETTER TO CHARLES A. LEE, M.D., AND PUBLISHED BY HIM IN THE 
NEW-YORK JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND THE COLLATERAL SCIENCES. 
By E L E A Z A R PARMLY, 
DENTIST. 
N E W - Y O R K : 
PRINTED BY HENRY LUDWIG, 7.0 VESEY-STREET. 
1847. TO THE READER. 
The late discussion which has been very properly called the ‘ Amalgam 
Controversy,’ was commenced solely for the purpose of eliciting pro- 
fessional truth, and of acquainting the public with a subject upon which 
many have been grossly deceived, by men claiming to be dentists, claim- 
ing also to have discovered a material for stopping teeth, to which they 
gave ‘ Royal’ names, until they exceeded in number the heads of the 
fabled Hydra—each assuming to be the successful discoverer. Unfor- 
tunately, however, for the credit of inventive genius, a single spark of 
light and heat from the Alchymist’s lire resolved the whole (names and 
all) into a spongy, poisonous compound of mercury and silver. 
At the commencement, I was not aware of the opposition, nor of the 
lack of moral and professional truth, that would be arrayed against me. 
There has not been, with a single exception, (that of Dr. Spooner,) one 
article that is not characterized by bitterness, ill-will, misrepresenta- 
tion and abuse. Indeed, there is scarcely any species of unfairness or 
untruth that has not been resorted to to sustain amalgam, and its users, 
even to the false assertions that it has been used with the appro- 
bation of persons in teeth, that have since proved never to have been 
tilled ; and with still greater injustice have they gone further, in men- 
tioning names of the honored dead, in connection with this practice. 
The question having been asked by my opponents, “ What were the 
opinions of the departed Hudson and Hayden in that respect ?” As 
to the second, I feel a pride and a pleasure in saying, from personal 
knowledge, that he was an uncompromising opposer of its use. And 
to save the untarnished fame of the first from so dark a stain, I will 
say, that he died long before the Crawcours, the introducers of the 
“Royal Mineral Succedaneum” came to this country ; and until they 
came, I am not aware that it was ever used or known on this side of 
the Atlantic. INTRODUCTION. 
The testimony gathered, and contained in the following communica- 
tion to Dr. Lee, may be relied on with the utmost confidence, coming 
as it does from men of the highest professional and moral integrity ; 
and I would particularly recommend to notice, that portion of it coming 
from Dr. Chilton, who, for two months, had the compound under exami- 
nation and experiment. The result is just what one in extensive practice 
has almost the daily opportunity of observing, and which, from chemi- 
cal tests, establishes all I have advanced, all I have contended for, and 
for which so much bitterness and personal animosity has been shown, 
proving most clearly the remark made by a celebrated lecturer, “that 
truth and falsehood cannot amalgamate.” 
It has been asserted that amalgam is valuable as a filling for the 
first teeth of children. Nothing can be more pernicious, as the follow- 
ing case will prove. A child about six years old, had the two lower 
molar teeth, one of each side, filled with amalgam by a noted dentist of 
this city, which immediately brought on inflammation in the gums, in- 
vesting membrane and nerves extending to the ear, by which she lost 
almost wholly, on both sides, the sense of hearing; and receiving no 
benefit from a long course of able medical treatment, her physician 
called upon me to ask whether I thought the deafness could arise from 
the effects of the amalgam. After giving such testimony as I had in 
hand, the child was brought to me, when, on examining the teeth, (which 
I immediately extracted and now have,) I found each had a large fill- 
ing perfectly black, the gums were of a dark color, sore and spongy, 
and the roots of the teeth were also discolored, rough and partially 
absorbed. The child’s health began ihnnediately after the operation 
to improve, and in a few months her hearing was perfectly restored. 
It has also been said that for stopping teeth amalgam is superior to 
gold, or any other material—that it does not oxydize—does not change 
color—will not discolor the teeth, nor suffer either decomposition or loss 
after being inserted in the teeth ; that the oxyde of mercury cannot be 
produced by the action of the fluids of the mouth, etc., etc. Total ig- 
norance of its qualities and effects may be an excuse for making these 
assertions ; but lost indeed must the man of science be to truth and ho- 
nesty, who knows better, and who will, nevertheless, make them to 
his patients. A case has occurred within a few days confirmatory on 
this point. A distinguished chemist of this city came to me a few eve- 
nings ago, suffering intense agony from a tooth that, four years before, 
had been very carefully filled with amalgam, by a well-educated M. D. 
dentist of this city. The enamel, although discolored, was unbroken. 
The cavity filled was much larger within than at its orifice, and no means 
could be discovered by which external agents could reach the nerve 
through the enamel. After extracting the tooth, I broke it open in his 
presence, and found the bone within the cavity perfectly black and soft, INTRODUCTION. 
V 
so that an instrument could be passed through it to the nerve. The 
surface of the amalgam within the cavity was thoroughly oxydized, 
exceedingly rough and porous, and when put under a magnifying glass, 
resembled, in appearance, a piece of broken granite, that had been 
dipped in ink or lamp-black, which had dried upon the surfirce. Feel- 
ing desirous to avail myself of the benefit of his chemical knowledge, I 
gave him the broken pieces of tooth, with the amalgam, and requested 
that he would make a further examination, and favor me with the re- 
sult of his deliberate judgment, which he has been kind enough to do ; 
and as it corresponds so perfectly with that of Dr. Chilton, I here 
transcribe it, believing it in his case to be strictly true. 
“ The cause of the blackening of the bone of the tooth under the in- 
fluences alluded to, seems to be, sulphuret of the protoxide of mercury, 
which is produced by contact of the gelatinous portion of the tooth with 
the amalgam of silver and mercury, which being porous, absorbs mois- 
ture, and thus induces action, producing the decomposition of 
the gelatin of the tooth as well as of the amalgam, which yields a por- 
tion of its mercury in the process. 
“Then the combination of these substances, viz. : silver, mercury, 
and moisture, produces the decomposition of the organized matter of the 
tooth, and, consequently, of the amalgam. Such being the case, it fol- 
lows—that the affinity of the two metals being broken by their reaction 
on the one part, and that of the organized portions of the other, a porous 
body is formed of the amalgam, by the particles of the mercury having 
partially left the silver to form a compound with the surrounding body ; 
which, acted upon by the oxide of mercury, produces a pulpy black sub- 
stance, (probably phosphate and carbonate of lime stained by sulphu- 
ret of mercury, with a little azotized matter,) that remains semi-solid, 
while it is in contact with the moisture of the mouth.” 
Such is the decided opinion and judgment of an able chemist in re- 
lation to the effects of amalgam on one of his own teeth, which is, by 
permission, submitted for further investigation ; truth and correct 
professional practice, being now, as they have been, the only object 
desired. I would, therefore, most respectfully submit to the candid and 
intelligent reader, whether a substance from which can be produced, 
when acted upon by the fluids of the mouth, not only the oxide and 
sulphuret of mercury, but also the sulphuret of silver and oxide of cop- 
per, to such an extent as to cause a complete change in the dense and 
solid body of a tooth to its extreme point, changing also its color 
throughout, from ivory white to black, or verdigris green, can be a pro- 
per material to put into the delicately-organized structure of a tooth, or 
to come in contact with the still more delicately formed structures of tis- 
sues, nerves and membranes, with which the teeth are more or less 
connected, to say nothing of this substance constantly wasting, as above INTRODUCTION. 
shown, and this waste, in the form of oxide, etc., may either mix with 
the substance of the tooth, or be taken into the system, sometimes, as 
has been proved, producing salivation, and other alarming and aggra- 
vated evils, “ even unto death.” E. P. 
No. 1 Bond Street, December, 1847.. PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
OF 
AMALGAM. 
Charles A. Lee, M. D.—Dear Sir,—All subjects appertaining to the 
healing art, must of necessity be matter of interest to every member of 
the profession, and cannot, therefore, be out of place in the pages of a 
Journal devoted to the advancement of medicine and its collateral sci- 
ences. Although the operations of the Dentist are not always studied, 
nor perhaps understood, by those who are not practically engaged in 
them, yet they are either directly or remotely connected in innumerable 
instances with disorders implicating the system at large, and from so 
doing come under the observation of almost every practising physician 
in the country. The benefit of dental surgery, skilfully applied, needs 
no confirmation ; but the hurtful results of injudicious treatment, both 
as affectingthe soundness of the teeth, and their appendages, and as in- 
fluencing the general health, would seem to demand the strictest scru- 
tiny. 
Fully impressed with the importance of these points, and having 
heard from Dr. Bernis that you felt a sufficient degree of interest to 
make inquiries of him in relation to Mr. Ames’ case, which has such a 
strong bearing on the following subject, I now address you on topics 
involving the qualities and effects of mercurial paste, when employed as 
a slopping for decayed teeth ; and adding such corroborative testimony 
of its destructive tendencies as will not only carry conviction, I trust, 
to your mind, but also to the minds of your readers, and all who may 
be interested in the inquiry. 
As there are but few in the middle or higher walks of society in 
this country, who do not, sooner or later, require the services of the 
dentist, it will be a matter of importance to them, to learn from their 
medical advisers, what will affect the soundness of organs, so essen- 
tial and important as the teeth, to the ordinary purposes of life, and so 
productive of pain and discomfort when maltreated, or in a disordered 
state, and by what means they are most likely to be benefitted when 
applying for relief. 
It has been alleged that the reason why some dentists do not approve 
of amalgam pastes, is, that “they are not medically educated.” The re- 
verse is the fact—it is because they are well educated, and understand 
thoroughly its effects, that they repudiate amalgam, in all shapes, as a 
stopping for decayed teeth. It was from the tests that experience, 8 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
and the thorough investigations of men most carefully educated, and 
those most highly distinguished for scientific attainments, both in the 
medical and dental profession, that 1 was at an early period strength- 
ened and confirmed in my convictions of its total unfitness for the pur- 
poses for which it was used; and my subsequent acquaintance with its 
baneful effects, not only upon the teeth but upon the general health, has 
led me to the decided conclusion that it should never be used or coun- 
tenanced in any case ; in fact, I do not understand how any one, know- 
ing its harsh, irritating, and destructive effects to the health, structure, 
and vitality of the teeth, can use or recommend it to be used. Its ef- 
fects upon the general health can be easily imagined from its having 
the power of producing, in some constitutions, salivation, and of so viti- 
ating the secretions of the mouth as to make them capable of changing 
the color of gold stoppings, and destroying the elasticity and texture of 
gold plates and springs, worn in the mouth for dental and other purposes. 
In proof of the correctness of the above belief and assertions, I will 
adduce the testimony of those who stand high as medical practitioners, 
as well as the testimony of those who have been medically educated, 
and who are not surpassed in this or any other country in practical skill 
and scientific knowledge in the dental profession—men who have too 
high a sense of the justice due their patrons, to neglect any means of 
doing them good ; and whose time and services are too highly esti- 
mated, to justify their devoting hours, and days, of intense labor, to ac- 
complish what a few minutes -would do, if amalgam is what its advo- 
cates represent it to be.* And unless the mere holding of certificates 
or diplomas, of medical honors, has the power of changing the qualities 
of mercury and silver, which the science of chemistry has not yet been 
able to do, amalgam will be the same in the hands of a Rush or 
Wistar that it was in the hands of a Crawcour or Malian. 
I have seen as good stoppings from these last named persons as I 
ever have from those now using it in this city ; some of whom not only 
denounced the Crawcours as swindlers and impostors, but contributed 
largely in money to assist in driving them from the country, after 
Dr. James R. Chilton, that able and accurate chemist, had discovered, 
by analysis, that the celebrated “ Royal Mineral Succedaneum ” was 
nothing more nor less than a mixture of quicksilver and silver, j- 
* To show the time required to perform operations when this pernicious compound 
is used, I will let Mons. Malian speak for himself. “ I can fill a tooth in a few se- 
conds, sir, without giving the least pain. I filled thirteen teeth yesterday for a young 
gentleman of this city, a solicitor in chancery—a very liberal young gentleman. We 
can put in this composition of ours in less than no time. I filled these thirteen teeth 
yesterday in less than five minutes.” This operation of five minutes, for which this 
‘ liberal young gentleman’ was charged and paid sixty-five dollars, would have occu- 
pied one of our best practitioners in dental surgery, probably more hours than there 
were stoppings; hence the advantage gained in time and money by quackery and em- 
piricism, to the prejudice of the public, and disgrace of the profession. You will, 
therefore, at once perceive, that if it were consistent with correct professional practice, 
with truth, and with honesty, to use amalgam, no dentist would forego the advantage 
to be derived from it; and although all might not have the knack of getting sixty-five 
dollars for every five minutes labor, yet they might with ease make ten times as much 
by filling teeth with amalgam, as they could do with gold, at the same prices. 
+ Besides affidavits and charges preferred against the Crawcours, in the hands of 
the police, for malpractice and imposture, in using mercurial paste for filling teeth, OP AMALGAM. 
9 
Of the hundreds of teeth that have been filled with amalgam, and 
subsequently come under my observation, I have not yet seen one that 
did not bear marks of reproach to the practitioner who performed the 
operation, and clearly demonstrate, that professional skill, professional 
knowledge, and common honesty, wpre wanting in the operator, to an 
equal degree that one or the other of these three qualities were want- 
ing in the Crawcours, who mixed the ingredients as well, and used 
them quite as successfully. 
In commencing corroborative testimony in this matter, I shall, 
(having obtained ample permission so to do,) introduce some remarks 
from the investigations of Prof. A. Westcott, M. D., an able physiolo- 
gist and pertinent writer on dental pathology and practical dentistry. 
“From the mercury of this compound (amalgam) when oxydized or 
corroded, as it always is by the fluids of the mouth,% there is formed a 
substance closely allied to calomel; indeed, judging from its effects, we 
might say it more clearly resembled corrosive sublimate, which is but 
another compound of mercury.” 
The above facts will give an easy solution to the phenomena de- 
scribed in the following letter from Dr. J. Stearns, dated 
“ Pomi’ey, Dec. 15th, 1842. 
Dear Sir,—Regarding as I do the profession of dentistry as a science 
which ought to be ranked among the honorable professions, I there- 
fore feel it my duty for the public good, and the honor of your laudable 
profession, to expose the vile quackery that is being practised on the 
community in this section, by an itinerant dentist, to the great injury of 
many individuals, and the success of the practice of dentistry. I will 
here give a statement of a case which has fallen under my observation. 
Mi ss R. S. called me to visit her. I found her with febrile symptoms ; 
her tongue, gums, and glands swollen ; a free discharge of saliva, a 
fetid breath, .etc. I asked her if she had ever been salivated. She said 
never. I was positive, however, that she was under the influence of 
mercury, and then found that two or three weeks before, she had had 
several teeth filled with “ Royal Mineral Succedaneum”—the teeth 
were very loose. The next day I removed one of the teeth, found it 
perfectly dead, and the alveolar process affected, which I have since 
removed, including almost the entire socket of the tooth. 
“ I have since been called to a Mrs. W., who has since been severely 
salivated by the use of the same compound. 
“ Respectfully, yours, 
“JEHIEL STEARNS.” 
“ A. Westcott, M. D.” 
the following is one of the certificates published against them in this city, in a printed 
circular, signed ‘ II. Villers, M. D.’ 
“ A lady in Belfast had her teeth filled with their “ Royal Mineral Succedaneum,” 
which is notoriously a poisonous amalgam of mercury. The next morning, while at 
breakfast, the filling came out, and was swallowed by her ; being informed by her 
friends of the deleterious nature of the ‘ Succedanemn,’ she in great alarm sent im- 
mediately for her physician, who assured her that hid she not promptly been relieved 
from the effects of this dangerous preparation, her life would in all probability have 
fallen a sacrifice to the culpable ignorance of a quack.” 
I See Dr. Chilton’s letter at the close of this article. 10 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
Although the effect of'the application of amalgam is not always the 
same as described in the foregoing letter, yet this compound has uni- 
formly the effect of vitiating the secretions of the mouth, more or less ; 
but its influence in producing salivation in the ordinary sense of the 
word is regulated by the following circumstances. 
1st. The susceptibility of the individual to the effects of mercury, it 
being well known that while some are not, others are, badly salivated 
by comparatively a trivial amount. 
2d. The quantity of the cement used. 
3d. The age and health of the subject. 
Though the effect just noticed (the vitiating of the secretions of the 
mouth) is sufficient, independent of other considerations, to condemn its 
use, there are others of equal weight, equally susceptible of demonstra- 
tion. 
1st. It is uniformly and necessarily inefficient in arresting caries. 
2d. It is in every case dangerous. 
3d. It is never called for. 
I. Its inefficiency : It being admitted that dental caries are chiefly if 
not wholly owing to the chemical action of the acrid fluids upon the cal- 
cerous portion of the tooth, the only object gained by any filling is the 
protection of the exposed bone from such attack. It follows, therefore, 
that any attempt failing to accomplish this must be futile. This is not 
attained by amalgam fillings. That this is the case, will appear from 
the following facts : 1st. When the plug is removed, it appears in all 
cases much more thoroughly oxydized on its posterior than its anterior 
surface. 2d. In all cases where the filling remains any considerable 
length of time, that part of the tooth behind it becomes soft, the earthy 
matter being absorbed ; to put this assertion to the test, institute the 
following experiments. 
After preparing a quantity of the amalgam very carefully, fill with it 
a strong glass tube, making it as compact as possible ; having suffered 
it to congeal undisturbed, immerse it in a tincture of red sanders. In 
a short time you will find the colored fluid has penetrated entirely 
around it, absolutely hiding the cement from view. Again : Immerse 
a tooth containing a medium sized filling of the amalgam, in the same 
fluid, allow it to remain some time, break it open, and observe the re- 
sult. further proof of the shrinking nature of amalgam and its con- 
sequent inefficien y for stoppings were wanted, it will be evident when 
we consider its specific gravity. 
II. It is in every case dangerous: In order to substantiate this posi- 
tion, if it can be shown that a single case of salivation has occurred 
from its use, the point is gained. This conclusion rests upon the fact 
that no man, however skilful, can judge a priori either of the natural 
or acquired susceptibility of an individual, in respect to the effect of 
mercury upon the system, and the consequent risk that is incurred in 
placing this amalgam in the mouth. Hut instead of simply one case, 
we have ample testimony to prove that salivation is a very common re- 
sult ; and moreover, that the vitiation of the secretions of the mouth, is a 
universal one ; the culpableness, therefore, of this practice, stands out in 
bold relief. 
Next, let us lay aside, for a moment, the evidence founded on an ob- OP AMALGAM. 
11 
servation of the result of the application, and examine the properties of 
this paste, to see whether, by such examination, we should be led to 
anticipate what observation has shown to be true. To establish this, 
it is only necessary to show : 
1st. That the mercury of the amalgam would, when so applied, be- 
come oxydized. 
2d. That the amount of oxyde formed would, either as oxyde or as 
salts, by combination with the various acids with which it is liable to be 
brought in contact in the mouth or stomach, produce salivation. 
1st. Under what circumstances is mercury oxydized ? 
“ Mercury is oxydized by agitation in a bottle half tilled with air, and 
is converted into a black powder.” 
Now it is clear, that any metal which would be thus affected by sim- 
ple contact of air, would be far more liable to oxydization in the mouth. 
For example, tin and silver will retain a polish when exposed to air and 
moisture ; but either of them is very soon corroded in the mouth ; but in 
addition to this, the susceptibility of the mercury contained in the amal- 
gam to oxydize, is enhanced by its union with silver as an amalgam, 
as the following testimony from Dr. Turner tends to prove. 
“The tendency of metals to unite with oxygen is considerably aug- 
mented by being alloyed. This effect is particularly conspicuous when 
dense metals are liquified by combination with quicksilver. Lead and 
tin, for instance, when united with mercury, are soon oxydized by ex- 
posure to the atmosphere ; and even gold and silver combine with oxy- 
gen, when the amalgams of these metals are agitated with air ! the oxy- 
dability of one metal in an alloy, appears, in some instances, to be in- 
creased in consequence of galvanic action. Thus Mr. Faraday ob- 
serves, that an alloy of steel with one-hundredth of its weight of plati- 
num, was dissolved with effervescence in diluted sulphuric acid, which 
was so weak that it scarcely acted on common steel; an effect which 
he ascribed to the steel in the alloy being rendered positive by the pre- 
sence of the platinum.” 
Ifa similar galvanic action results from the union of silver and mer- 
cury in mineral paste, the mercury would of course bear the relation to 
the silver, as did the steel to the platinum, in the case cited by Mr. Far- 
aday. These two metals, together with the fluids of the mouth, would 
constitute all the essentials to a galvanic pile. If we add to these con- 
siderations the fact, that while “the current formed by the contact of 
two metals, gives increased effect to the affinity of one of them for some 
element of the solution, the ability of the other metal to undergo the 
same change is proportionably diminished,” we have at once a clear 
idea of the changes which occur, and the successive steps in the pro- 
cess. By the galvanic agency exerted between these two metals by 
the fluids of the mouth, the natural affinity of the amalgam for oxygen is 
so increased as to make the decomposition comparatively rapid. But 
the most important conclusion which may be drawn from these pre- 
mises, is the obvious fact, that the mercury (the most oxydable metal) 
would undergo much the most important, if not the entire change. For 
“ when plates of zinc and copper touch each other in dilute acid, the 
zinc oxydizes more, and the copper less rapidly than without the con- 
tact.” On the same principle precisely, is the silver of this compound 12 
PKOPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
protected at the expense of the mercury. It follows hence, that while 
the presence of the silver greatly facilitates the oxydation of the mer- 
cury, the latter metal is principally acted upon, and the result must he 
a copious formation of a copious mercurial oxyde, corresponding to the 
amount shown by observation to be formed. 
The only remaining question is as to whether the amount thus form- 
ed, is capable of affecting the system so as to produce salivation. Of 
this, after presenting the following facts and quotations from the Lon- 
don Lancet and the British & Foreign Medical Review, I will leave 
all to judge, who will lay aside prejudice. 
“ Very lately, a man who was taking sulphuric acid for epistaxis, was 
severely salivated by two grains of calomel, in a dose of cathartic pills. 
The acids naturally contained in the stomach were the muriatic and 
acetic, and the mercury contained in two grains of calomel, or a few 
grains of blue pill, would of course be sufficient to produce the most seri- 
ous consequences, if changed into the bi-chloride, or corrosive subli- 
mate.”—Dr. Snout. 
The following is the opinion of Mr. Streeter : 
“ The fact of the action of the blue pill being much more powerful at 
one time than another, might be accounted for by the conserve of roses, 
with which the mercury was triturated,being occasionally mixed with sul- 
phuric acid, for the purpose of restoring its lost color. Hence, instead 
of the simple oxyd, the sulphate of mercury was producing its effects 
on the patient. He had no doubt, however, that some constitutions were 
susceptible of the influence of mercury in its slightest forms. He had 
seen severe salivation produced by the administration of nine grains of 
blue pill, although it had been given in only one grain doses three times 
a day, and its effects watched with the greatest care.” 
The following opinion of Dr. Law corroborates the above. 
“ We directed one grain of calomel to be mixed up with a sufficient 
quantity of the extract of gentian, to make a mass to be divided into 
twelve pills, one of which was to be taken every hour. We found, in 
some cases, salivation to be produced by twenty-four of these pills, or 
two grains of calomel, and seldom were forty-eight pills or four grains 
required to produce this effect. * * * * We exhibited the blue pill in 
the same way, and found the mouth to become sore from six grains. # * 
We have found one drachm in every night sufficient to produce saliva- 
tion ” 
Nothing, therefore, can be more clear, than that a small quantity of 
mercury is capable of producing salivation—much less (as will presently 
appear), than is usually contained in a single cement filling. “I have 
one of these fillings in my possession which weighs sixty-three grains.” 
This amount of amalgam would be sufficient to produce, from the mer- 
cury it contains, thirty-seven grains of calomel, and about thirty-eight 
and one half grains of corrosive sublimate. On the supposition that 
the whole of this was administered as calomel in the way described 
above, it would be more than sufficient to salivate eighteen per- 
sons. 
From the above facts and considerations we make the following con- 
clusions. 
1st. That an}' person wearing in the teeth any considerable quan- OF AMALGAM. 
13 
tity of cement is liable to salivation from the accumulation of the oxyd 
shown above to take place. 
2d. That every person (having such fillings) is subject to so much of 
the constant effects as would accrue from all the oxyd formed on the outer 
surface of these fillings, and which would be easily carried into the sto- 
mach. 
3d. The like persons whose saliva is generally more or less acid, 
would be subject to the constant impressions from the entire oxyd form- 
ed on the whole surface. In either of the last two cases, the effect 
would be sufficient to keep up an unhealthy action of the secretions of 
the mouth, if it did not amount to salivation. 
4th. The constant oxydation and solution of the surfaces of these 
fillings, renders them less and less perfect in respect to preserving the 
tooth, by giving more free access to those fluids which are the chief 
sources of decay. 
III. The third position we took in relation to this amalgam was, 
that Its use was never called for. 
This position rests mainly on the first and second ; although were 
either or both of them refuted, it could still be easily supported. 
So much for the testimony of Professor Westcott in this matter, 
which of itself is sufficient to consign the amalgam to perdition. 1 
will now proceed and furnish additional testimony, conveyed in facts, 
and the opinions of eminent medical practitioners and dentists ; and as 
it is a common practice, with some gentlemen in the medical as well 
as other professions, wholly ignorant of the nature and results of amal- 
gam, to give their names to dentists who make a practice of using it, 
recommending them to public favor ; it is to be hoped that the follow- 
ing cases, coupled as they are with testimony from men of the highest 
character in the medical and dental professions, containing incontro- 
vertible proofs of the evils which may follow the employment of such 
persons, (who are frequently applied to through the instrumentality of 
the testimonials above referred to,) will have a beneficial influence in 
causing such recommendation to be withheld in future, and also in 
warning the community at large, to beware of that artifice and dishonor 
which, for the sake of a few dollars, would sacrifice the health, com- 
fort and happiness of their fellow beings. 
The following case, recorded by J. H. Foster, M. D., Dentist, and 
confirmed by Joseph Wooster, M. D., Physician, both of this city, and 
both well known as distinguished men in their respective departments 
of practice, will show the effects of amalgam conclusively, in produc- 
ing salivation and other aggravated evils. 
“ On the twentieth day of July, 1843,1 was called to visit a lady who 
was suffering from a tooth filled with the mineral amalgam. For a week 
succeeding the operation the patient suffered the most acute agony, 
passing sleepless nights, and obtaining only occasional relief by the use 
of opiates. On examination, I found the periosteum of the inferior max- 
illary bone much inflamed, the adjacent soft parts tumefied, very hard 
and acutely sensitive to the touch, the interior of the mouth was in an 
equally-inflamed state, and the patient had been for several days, and 
still was, severely salivated. With some difficulty I succeeded in ex- 
tracting the tooth—the second molaris. 14 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
“ Dr. Wooster informed me that this lady had previously enjoyed good 
health, and that he had not administered any mercurial medicines. 
“ I could cite many other cases which have come under my observa- 
tion, in which this article, called by as many assumed names as there 
are operators who use it, has been productive of serious injury ; one 
such case, however, is sufficient to convince any one who may witness 
it, of what I have been compelled to believe and have asserted. 
“ JOSEPH H. FOSTER, M. D.” 
“I hereby certify, that the facts as stated by Dr. Foster, in relation 
to the above case, are correct; that I was the constant medical attend- 
ant of the lady referred to, and know her to have been a comparatively - 
strong and healthy person previous to this event; that I had no neces- 
sity for, and had not administered any mercurial medicine previous to 
the extraction of the tooth ; that on my first visit after the operation of 
Mons. Malian, I found her glandular system had been so affected as to 
cause active mercurial salivation. I continued my attendance upon her 
for four months afterwards, during the whole of which time she was 
unable to attend to her family duties. The swelling of the face could 
not be reduced by any remedies, and continued the cause of so much 
acute suffering, that, a fever ensued, and very active treatment was resort- 
ed to at one period to prevent a threatened inflammation of the brain. 
Exfoliation of the interior maxillary bone I was constantly apprehensive 
of, until I became convinced that the case had assumed the form of 
osteo sarcoma. At the end of four months, when this lady left me 
to go to the south, her face had not resumed its proportions, nor could 
l perceive any approximation to a change, and her pain still continued. 
“ I have no doubt that all her sufferings are justly attributable to the 
mineral amalgam so much used in filling teeth, and which, I am con- 
vinced, is not only an improper, but a highly-dangerous compound. 
“ JOSEPH WOOSTER, M. D.” 
In the following letter, which I received from Dr. Davis, well known 
to the medical profession as a gentleman of high character and scien- 
tific attainments, he has very accurately described in his own case that 
which happens to almost every one who has teeth filled with amalgam 
under similar circumstances. 
“ Dr. Parmly,—Dear Sir,—Agreeably to your request, I send you 
the following account of the effects of an amalgam, or mineral paste, 
or lithodeon, as it has been variously termed, on one of my own teeth. 
Some four years ago I called on a dentist to fill two molar teeth in the 
upper jaw, one on either side. The state of disease and the size of the 
cavity in each was very similar. The first was filled with gold foil in 
the usual manner, as I expected both would be. Rut before I was aware 
of the fact, the second tooth was filled with amalgam. Not wishing 
to find fault, I suffered it to remain, and treated it subsequently in 
every respect like the other tooth. In a few weeks the tooth filled 
with amalgam began to be slightly tender, the gum around it slightly 
swollen, and disposed to bleed from very slight causes. These symptoms 
slowly increased, and at the end of three or four months the periosteum 15 
around the roots of the tooth became inflamed, and ultimately ulcerat- 
ed, producing a disagreeable abscess in the gum. In the meantime the 
original cavity in the tooth continued to enlarge, and consequently 
before the end of one year the amalgam came out, having become 
much oxydized and changed to a bluish-black color. The body of the 
tooth now rapidly crumbled off, but the disease at the roots continued 
to increase, until, fearing an extension of the disease to the alveolar 
process of the jaw, I caused them to be removed by extraction ; the 
surface of the diseased roots was very rough, produced by partial ab- 
sorption. Subsequently the body of the other tooth (the one filled 
with gold) has broken away, but its roots still remain in the jaw, hav- 
ing never caused either pain or tenderness. Several other cases, 
equally well marked, have come under my observation ; but as no 
notes were made of them at the time, I cannot now give them in de- 
tail. Indeed, I have never examined a tooth which had been filled 
with amalgam for any considerable length of time, in which the amal- 
gam did not give unequivocal signs of oxydation. 
“ Yours, with great respect, 
“N. S. DAVIS, late of Binghamton.” 
“11 University Place, N. York, Sept. 24th, 1847.” 
Doctor I. T. Curtis, of this city, has furnished me with the following 
interesting case, wherein the effects of this nostrum were distressingly 
manifested. 
“Some years ago, I extracted twenty-one teeth and roots from the 
mouth of a young lady, all of which had been entirely ruined by the 
application of five or six pluggings of the famous “ Royal Mineral 
Succedaneum,” for the arrest of decay in its incipient stage. The use 
of the compound in this case, had made a complete wreck not only of 
the teeth, but of the parts adjacent; the mouth became fetid, the al- 
veolar process completely destroyed, and the gums reduced to a spongy 
texture, bleeding profusely upon the least pressure. Originally this 
lady possessed an unusually fine set of teeth, but shortly after the appli- 
cation of the ‘ Succedaneum,’ unequivocal signs of mercury having 
been introduced into the system made their appearance, and the 
mouth was gradually reduced to the above miserable condition, ren- 
dering it absolutely necessary to have the entire set of teeth extracted, 
before the fearful ravages caused by this poison could be arrested. 
“I. T. CURTIS, M. D.” 
“ I am also acquainted with a case wherein the application of amal- 
gam to one tooth, not only destroyed the tooth so operated on, but brought 
on a constitutional mercurial fever, accompanied with other symptoms 
of the presence of mercury ; and to such an extent was the constitu- 
tion of the patient in this case reduced, solely, in my opinion, (and that 
of other medical gentlemen cognizant of the circumstances,) through 
the instrumentality of this poison, that a dangerous illness was super- 
induced. “ I. T. C.” 
“New-York, Oct., 1847.” 
OF AMALGAM. 16 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
There are Amalgam Dentists in this city who will, for a few dollars, 
show any one how to make paste and apply it to the teeth, which any 
one can do with a few minutes’ instruction. When so perfected, some 
of them assume the title of Doctor, and with certificates from their re- 
nowned teachers, a physician or two, and a minister, travel about the 
country as dentists from New-York. The effects of the practice, (from 
a visit to a village near the city, of one of these Lithodeon makers, 
living in New-York,) are well described in a letter received from a 
clergyman, residing in the place where this occurred, and who speaks of 
several cases that came to his knowledge. I will transcribe two of them, 
and although not required to omit names, (all of which are well known 
here,) I do so to spare the feelings of persons connected with them, 
who might prefer not to have them mentioned. 
“ A few days after, I met Doctor , who told me that he had 
been getting Iris teeth filled with a paste the dentist used, and that he 
was afraid there was something wrong about it, as he had been sick 
ever since. I asked him if it was an amalgam of mercury that the 
dentist used. He said he could not tell ; he had never had occasion 
for a dentist’s services until then, and supposed it was all right, until 
he began to suffer severely. I replied, that I had been warned while a 
resident in , by my physician, against ever suffering any amal- 
gam to be put into my teeth. We parted. In going home, he told 
the dentist what I had said, who, in consequence, called upon me. Dr. 
appeared to be a courteous, and well-informed man, and tried 
hard to convince me that the preparation he used was perfectly harm- 
less. * * I remember putting the question to him, whether there 
was any mercury in the paste? He confessed there was, but perfectly 
harmless in the way he used it. * * The result you will have anti. 
cipated. Dr. , who was a sufferer from the first, was under the 
necessity of having the teeth extracted, glad to get off with this loss. 
He always thought his health to have been for a time impaired in con- 
sequence.” 
Another case related by the same gentleman :—“ Miss had se- 
veral teeth filled by this same dentist. Her head and eyes were affect- 
ed almost immediately after the dentist left her. Fever ensued—and 
she continued to suffer from February or March until June following 
when she died. It was the expressed opinion of Dr. , to me, at 
various times, and also to the family, from his own experience, and that 
of others, who had suffered from the effects of the amalgam, that the 
sickness and death of Miss was occasioned solely by the poisonous 
material used in this paste, which had been taken up into the system.” 
The following letter from J. W. Crane, M. D., is not only valuable 
in itself, coming as it does from a person of extensive and successful 
practice, and long experience as a dentist, but from its furnishing the 
testimony of a gentleman of high reputation as a medical man, and 
as a chemist and mineralogist. 
“New-York, Oct. 1st, 1847. 
“Dr. Parmly,—Dear Sir,—I received a letter from Dr. Frey, some 
months since, concerning the question which you have so long and so 
ably defended ; and without asking his permission, I take the liberty to 17 
OF AMALGAM. 
place it at your disposal. * * Dr. F. is a gentleman of extraordinary 
educational attainments in chemistry and mineralogy, and is now prac- 
tically investigating those sciences in the West. Dr. F. is not a den- 
tist, and I therefore consider the document much more valuable, and 
free from prejudice. 
“ [ have often expressed my opinion in private, and occasionally ia 
public, against the use of mercurial cement in all cases, and the long 
controversy on this subject has not caused any change in my opinion. 
I understand that some of the advocates of cement, think that a medical 
education would favor the use of this dental curse. If any now exist, 
holding this opinion, let them read their books backwards, until they 
arrive at the place where they started, for ignorance is preferable to 
learning badly used. “ Respectfully, yours, 
“ J. W. CRANE, M. D., 
“ Dr. E. Parmly.” 11 Le Roy Place.1” 
[Copy of Dr. Frey’s letter above mentioned.] 
“ To J. W. Crane, M. D.,—Dear Sir,—I have known a case in 
which a large cavity in a molar tooth in the upper jaw was filled with 
cement containing mercury, and in the course of two months the lady 
lost not only the tooth which was filled, but the tooth on each side, 
which were quite free from decay, the mischief evidently arising from 
mercurial disease of the gums, induced by the presence of mercury 
used in the cement. “ Respectfully, yours, 
“ J. M. FREY, M. D.M 
The following case of diseased antrum, in which I obtained the exa- 
mination and advice of one of our most eminent surgeons, was un- 
doubtedly occasioned from the effects of mercurial paste. 
A lady called on me, in great distress, from disease in the first right 
molar tooth of the upper jaw. On examining the mouth, I found the 
gum around the aforesaid tooth to be of a dark hue, and quite destitute 
of healthy circulation. The tooth itself was also dark and necrose, 
and evidently demanding immediate extraction. Before removing the 
tooth, I passed a probe along the side of the tooth, completely into the 
cavity of the antrum maxillare. When the tooth was extracted, pro- 
fuse hemorrhage ensued, and considerable portions of ash-colored bone 
adhered slightly to the fangs. Six or eight other pieces of bone, about 
the size of small peas, were afterwards removed from the cavity of the 
sinus. The cavity was filled with blood, which made its escape through 
the nostrils, down the throat and out of the mouth of the patient. The 
lady informed me that she had often been nearly strangled at night by 
purulent matter, which made its escape from the antrum, through the 
nostrils into the fauces, larynx, and trachea. I found so large an open- 
ing into the antrum, after removing the diseased tooth and decomposed 
bone, that I could easily pass my little finger quite up to the suborbi- 
tal parietes of the cavity. This tooth had been filled with a large plug 
of mercury and silver, which was unquestionably the cause of the de- 
plorable effects above described. 
I could furnish many cases of great interest from other distinguish- 
ed professional gentlemen, but will conclude the testimony under this 
head, with a statement of the deplorable effects of paste, in the case 18 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
of (he lamented N. P. Ames, Esq., which I subjoin in that gentleman’s 
own language, and which I give in preference to abundant proofs of 
the same purport, with which I have been favored from other authentic 
sources. 
As a report, however, has gone widely abroad, and received great 
weight and credence, that Dr. Bemis, of Cabotville, (Mass.) was 
Mr. Ames’ attending physician, and that he had expressed opinions 
adverse to the facts advanced by the deceased, I will take leave to 
say, that Dr. Bemis was not the attending physician of Mr. Ames at 
the time his health is alleged to have first suffered from the mercury 
used in stopping his teeth, nor was he in attendance at the time of Mr. 
Ames’ death. The doctor had no intercourse with the latter at the one 
period or at the other, and knowing nothing of the circumstances, he 
could not contravene the statements»made by Mr. Ames himself, which 
I had caused to be published, and which, until he read them in print, 
was not aware that Mr. Ames had made any such communication, hav- 
ing no recollection of ever hearing from him an account of his illness 
in Paris, or what he supposed to be the cause of it, or that he had any 
teeth filled with the material with which they were filled. 
The report made by the person employed by some amalgam, dentists 
of this city, to call on Dr. Bemis, was entirely opposed to the facts, as 
delivered tome by that physician in June last; and being desirous of 
knowing his views more fully, I made Dr. B. a second visit in Septem- 
ber : having then a longer conversation with him, he spoke of the 
statement that had been published as coming from him, and assured 
me that the publication of it was in no manner authorized, nor was 
any other from him in reference to the case, (except a letter to Dr. 
Lee), that all he said to the person who came from New-York, occurred 
in a general conversation, not knowing or supposing that any use was 
to be made of it; and furthermore, said his object in writing to Dr. 
Lee, (supposing the letter would be published), was to put a stop to all 
further inquiries of him, with which he had been much annoyed. 
Mr. Ames was absent one year from his home; on his return he was 
suffering from paralysis, occasioned, as he and all his friends firmly 
believed, by the agency of mercury, with a preparation of which his 
teeth had been filled. Dr. Bemis informed me that he knew nothing 
of the case, that would either contradict or confirm Mr. Ames’ own 
assertions; and not having been present at the time of his contracting 
his illness, and knowing nothing of the cause of it; that he had not 
seen him at all for six or eight months previous to his death; and that 
the only statement he had made in relation to this matter, was contain- 
ed in the letter to Dr. Lee above mentioned, of which he handed me a 
copy, to prove, as he said, that he had favored neither the one side nor 
the other of those who took part in the Dental controversy. To 
show Dr. Bemis’ neutrality as to the points in question, I here 
annex his letter, verbatim. I shall also introduce a most interesting 
letter written by Dr. Booth, an eminent physician, which will be read 
with interest, in connection with that of Dr. Bemis : 
“ Cabotville, Mass., June 23, 1847. 
44Dr. Charles A. Lee, New-York: 
“ Dear Sir :—Your letter, (accompanying Journal), requesting the OF AMALGAM. 
19 
details in the case of the late N. P. Arnes, Esq., of this village, were 
duly received. 
“I have had numerous similar inquiries within the last two or three 
weeks, from members of our profession, and also from dentists ; and 
for reasons, have not answered them. 
“Mr. Ames’ case was an obscure one—of long standing ; and during 
the last eighteen months of his life, he was not under any active medi- 
cal treatment, except, perhaps, the last two or three months he was 
under hydropathic treatment at Brattleboro’, Vermont. 
“ There was no autopsical examination ; and, in my opinion, no defi- 
nite facts can be elucidated in his case, having a decided bearing upon 
the subject of mercurial amalgam. Moreover, I am aware of the re- 
pugnance his relatives have to the publicity of his name and case in all 
the papers of the day. 
“ Yours, with much respect, 
“DAVID BEMIS.” 
Letter from Dr. Booth, of Springfield, to Dr. Crane, of this city, by 
whom it was obligingly furnished : 
“ October 1G, 1847. 
“Dr. Crane—My Dear Sir : In answer to some inquiries of yours, 
with regard to the case of the late Mr. Ames, and also my opinion as to 
the propriety of using amalgam, I subjoin the following remarks. 
“ Having resided for several years past in Springfield, and having 
known Mr. A. both before and after his trip to Europe, I can truly 
say, that he was a man ‘ formed in nature’s finest mould.’ To a su- 
perior mind, well trained by judicious culture, was joined in him a cha- 
racter above reproach. An urbanity of manner, such as falls to the 
lot of few, was his also. But to our subject. While in London, he 
had some teeth filled with this mercurial paste, and to use an expres- 
sion of his, ‘never saw a well day after.’ What was the cause? 
Mr. A. supposed that he had swallowed some of this substance. He 
was a man not likely to be mistaken upon such a point, nor to form an 
opinion without good and sufficient reason. Then the question arises, 
could the passing of this substance in small quantities into the stomach, 
affect the system injuriously ? or, in other words, could the specific ef- 
fects of mercury be produced? Undoubtedly they might, although 
many persons in similar circumstances would escape all harm. The 
mere fact of many persons suffering no bad effects from this substance, 
does not prove its harmlessness. By no means. Negative testimony 
is worth little, compared with positive. The susceptibility of various 
constitutions to the various preparations of mercury, is as varied al- 
most as the human countenance. Peculiar idiosyncrasies, to which 
you have so happily alluded, must modify its action. But Mr. A. was 
exposed to wet and damp weather, soon after his teeth were filled, and 
what was the result ? Just what we are led to expect, in cases of per- 
sons taking cold while under the specific influence of mercury. In such 
cases, the osseous system of the lower extremities particularly be- 
comes implicated, producing a condition termed mercurial rheumatism, 
or mercurial palsy. The patient loses gradually the use of his limbs 
for the purpose of locomotion, and although he may live several years, 20 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
yet is in such a state, that death might almost be considered a bless- 
ing. A case which occurred under my own observation, and with the 
circumstances of which I was perfectly familiar, is in point. A young 
man, while under a mercurial course, went in bathing, and contracted 
cold. From that day he gradually lost the use of his lower limbs, and 
although he afterwards lived more than ten years, was never able to do 
any business for the latter half of this time, dragging out a life render- 
ed a burden to himself and friends. My dear sir, I must say, I consider 
these two cases very similar, not only in outward appearance, but also 
tn the internal changes, produced, as I think, by the same influence. 
You will perceive the conclusion to which I have come is this, that 
while Mr. A. was under the poisonous influence of mercury, he took 
cold ; the result was such as we should be led to expect from similar 
causes, acting in like manner upon the human system. For seven 
long years he was a sufferer, till at last his w’orn and broken constitu- 
tion found a resting place amid its kindred dust. Here I leave all 
and w'hile I ask your indulgence for this hasty manner in which I 
have treated the subject, believe me, 
“Yours, truly, 
“ALFRED BOOTH.” 
To return. I will now make such extracts from Mr. Amesr letters,, 
as will enable medical men to judge whether the effects produced and 
described by him, are or are not unequivocal proofs of the presence of 
mercury in the system; and also whether mercury, when so'h.bsorbed, 
does not occasionally prove a source of most calamitous disease. 
“ I have been very much troubled with my teeth, and for a few days 
the same cause has affected my whole system. About the 1st of July 
I placed myself in the hands of a dentist in London, and had several 
teeth filled with a newr-fashioned mineral paste, that was highly re- 
commended. Several days afier, I found a piece of the paste loose in 
my mouth, and on examination found it to be nearly all quicksilver. I 
felt no immediate bad effects, but as the wet and cold weather came on, 
which commenced in August, I was much affected by the cold, and on 
my arrival here, being quite out of health, was told by my physician 
that I was thoroughly salivated,* and without any doubt from the ce- 
* The public has already been informed by an intimate friend of Mr. Ames, who 
crossed the Atlantic with him, and saw much of him while in England, that he was 
in very fine health when they arrived there ; and I have, within the past week, re- 
ceived the testimony of an eminent professional gentleman, late a practitioner in Eu- 
rope, but now in this country, who affirms, that when Mr. Ames’ physician in Paris 
told him that he was “thoroughly salivated,” Mr. Ames, with much astonishment, 
replied, “ I have not taken a dose of medicine of any kind in six years.” 
Dr. Bartlett, of Massachusetts, who was in Paris, and acquainted with Mr. Ames 
at the time of his suffering, without knowing that he had teeth filled with mercury 
and silver, (of the effects of which Mr. Ames himself probably at that time could not 
have been aware,) pronounced his illness to be of mercurial origin, as his letter to- 
me, part of which I transcribe, will fully testify. 
“ New Bedford, Oct. 24, 1847. 
“ Dear Sir,—I saw much of Mr. Ames while in Paris, but as he was not under my 
professional care, I took no notes of his case. His disease at that time seemed chiefly 
confined to the glandular system, and I always suspected it to be of mercurial origin 0? AMALGAM. 
21 
men! in my teeth. He said he would not pronounce on the case so 
quick, if 1 were the first that had come to his knowledge from the 
same cause, but that I was not. My lower teeth have nearly all be- 
come loose, and there is much probability that l shall lose them all 
before long. 1 have suffered severely night and day, although able 
most of the time to travel. I am now in good American hands, and 
recovering rapidly. What leads me more fully to the belief, that the 
cause of my situation is mercury, nd proceeding from my teeth, is, 
that one-fourth of what was put into one tooth, and which I took loose 
from my mouth, was sufficient to quick (whiten) a penny completely. 
I had then probably swallowed the remainder from that tooth, and 
from several others. October 10, 1840.” 
Shortly after writing the above, Mr. Ames being seated in the open 
air for some time, witnessing an imposing public ceremony, was struck 
with paralysis, so as to be obliged to be carried home. Feeling anxious, 
a few months afterwards, to ascertain whether his ailment had im- 
plicated his lungs, he had an examination made, which he describes in 
a letter, dated Feb. 21, 1S41. 
‘‘Feeling an increased anxiety on my own account, as well as on 
account of my friends, I concluded to advise with the best physician, 
conjointly with the one I had been employing. I found that best to 
be Dr. Mott, formerly of New-York, now residing here. He met the 
other physician, and they both assured me that my lungs were sound, 
but that I had set out too soon, and in the most unfavorable weather. 
I feel quite inclined to listen to the particular advice of my physicians 
with regard to my future course; more especially, for a few weeks 
longer, they have advised that I should not overdo in the least, not on 
account of my lungs, but on account of my glands, which have all 
been inflamed and swollen.” 
As my object, in this case, is solely to show the hurtful effects of 
this deleterious poison upon the system, further details on this interest- 
ing case would be out of place ; and I will merely add, that towards the 
close of the life of this beloved and valuable man, his paralysis became 
more confirmed, until he eventually wholly lost the use of his lower 
limbs ; and after more than six years of intense suffering, he at length 
perished—a victim, undoubtedly, to the baneful effects of the mineral 
employed in the operations to which his teeth had been subjected— 
mourned over by friends—respected and beloved by all—a loss to science 
and to the nation, whose servant he was, and in whose special mis- 
sion he was officially engaged when this calamity befel him. 
In order to learn the views of others in the profession, I addressed a 
short circular to the dentists who have gained the highest rank in other 
He dated the origin of his sufferings from the time he was in London, but ho never 
said anything to me about having had his teeth filled with amalgam. It was during 
the first two or three weeks of his residence in Paris that I knew him ; he was better 
at the time I left, but the period of his greatest sufferings was after that. I have never 
seen him since except for a few moments one day in Springfield, when I was too much 
shocked by his hopeless condition, to wish to converse with him upon the subject of 
his health. 
“ Very respectfully yours, LYMAN BARTLETT.” 22 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
cities, for their practical skill and scientific knowledge, most of whom 
have been medically educated, and are graduates in medicine ; 1 receiv- 
ed from them the following answers . 
“Philadelphia, Walnut-street, June 8, 1847. 
“My Dear Sir,—I cheerfully comply with your request, ‘in as few 
words as possible,’ by stating my opinion, that amalgams are entirely 
unfit for stopping or filling teeth. But I am unable to decide whether 
it be the lack of honesty, or want of knowledge and liberality, which 
induces a preference with some persons, for such base compositions 
over gold. 
“ Very truly and respectfully yours, etc., 
“E. B. GARDETTE.” 
“Montreal, June, 1847. 
“My Dear Doctor,—-In answer to your note of the 17th I will 
state briefly, that my experience in the use of amalgam for filling 
teeth, is such as to warrant me in saying, that it is totally unfit for the 
purpose under any circumstances, saying nothing of the local or con- 
stitutional injuries that this filling is sure to inflict to a greater or less 
degree; the shrinking of it while hardening is sufficient to render it 
useless as a material for plugging teeth. This shrinking being in pro- 
portion to the size of the filling, in very small cavities, such as the veri- 
est ninny in the profession ought to fill successfully with gold, Its effects 
upon the structure of the teeth are less observable ; but in large cavities 
lit freely admits the fluids of the mouth between it and the walls of the 
cavity, its surface becomes oxydized, and the whole tooth blackened 
sn consequence. Though these are the least of the objections that 
may be brought against this material, they are alone sufficient in my 
opinion to prohibit its use. 
“I am surprised that a set of men, or even one man, can be found, 
who dare insult an enlightened public by advocating so dangerous a 
practice; and I cannot help feeling, that he who uses amalgam, even 
with the approbation of the patient, commits an act in the highest 
sense dishonest and disgraceful. 
“ I am, my dear sir, yours, sincerely and truly, 
“ W. H. ELLIOT.” 
“ Dr. E. Parmly, Bond-street, New-York.” 
“Boston, June 11, 1847. 
“All amalgams, under whatever name, that I have known to be em- 
ployed for filling teeth, I hold to be injurious in their effects; and 
though in some instances they remain for a long time, and appear to 
fie harmless, they do, in all such, fall short of gold in effecting the pre- 
servation of the teeth. 
“ The operator, who is ignorant at this day of the mischief he may do 
by using amalgams, is not worthy of being trusted ; and the accom- 
plished dentist who has it in his power to do well, and who must and 
does know as well as you or L do, that gold is in every respect the su- 
perior article, and w ill still use the mercurial compounds instead of it, OP AMALGAM. 
does but barter his conscience to cheat his fellow-beings out of their 
teeth, perhaps of their health, and possibly of their life. 
“ Yours, very truly, J. F. FLAGG.” 
“Dr. E. Parmly.” 
“ Boston, June 10, 1847. 
“Dear Sir,—We answer with pleasure the questions contained in 
your note of the 7th. First, we have never used amalgams in any 
form, knowing them to be injurious to the teeth under any circum- 
stance. Secondly, we consider it decidedly dishonest for any dentist 
to use a mercurial composition, saying that it is equal to gold for fill- 
ing teeth, or that it will preserve them for any great length of time. 
“ Yours, with much respect, J. & E. G. TUCKER.” 
“Philadelphia, June 11, 1847. 
“My Dear Sir,—Yours of 17th instant is before me. As to your 
first inquiry, I would say, that I have not considered amalgam fit nor 
sale for stopping teeth, and have never used it. 
“I cannot consider any one honest who would use it, and say it was 
better than gold ; if they be honest and use it, they must be grossly ig- 
norant, and consider the community to be so also. 
“Very respectfully, yours, LEWIS ROPER.” 
“ Dr. E. Parmly.” 
“ Washington, D. C., June 9, 1847. 
“My Dear Doctor,—In answer to yours of the 7th, 1 have no 
hesitation in saying, that I consider amalgam totally unfit for plugging 
teeth. As to the honesty of those who say amalgam is better than 
gold for plugging teeth—if they be honest—they either know a great 
deal more, or a great deal less, than I do about it. 
“ Yours, most respectfully, EDWARD MAYNARD.” 
“ Dr. E. Parmly.” 
“ Baltimore, June 11, 1847. 
“ My Dear Doctor,—In reply to your note of the 8th instant, I 
beg to state that, during the last ten or twelve years, my opportunities 
for observing the effects of amalgam have been, I am sorry to say, 
very frequent, and I have yet to see the first case in which any real 
benefit has been derived from its use: on the contrary, many cases 
have fallen under my observation, in which very pernicious effects had 
resulted from its use. In short, the result of my observations upon the 
subject is, that it discolors the teeth, often destroys their vitality, fre- 
quently induces tumefaction and tenderness of the gums, buccal mem- 
brane, and alveoli-dental periosteum, vitiating the secretions of the 
mouth, and sometimes causing salivation. 
“ In conclusion, I am decidedly of opinion, that any tooth which can 
be filled with any material and rendered serviceable, may be filled with 
gold. Entertaining these views, and they are the result of critical and 
extensive observation, I am constrained to believe that those who use 
and recommend amalgam, as better than gold for filling teeth, are 
either deceived themselves with regard to its effects, or wish to de> 
ceive their patients. 
“ Very truly and sincerely ycurs, C. A. HARRIS.” 
“ Eleazar Parmly, M. D.” 24 
PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS 
“Cazenovia, June 15, 1847. 
“ Dear Sir,—In reply to yours, I have to say, that I consider amal- 
gams not only unfit but dangerous for plugging teeth ; unfit, because 
they do not answer the purpose of a proper stopping; inasmuch as. 
like all other metallic compounds and cements, in passing from a soft 
to a hard consistence, they necessarily contract, leaving a space be- 
tween the filling and the walls of the tooth, thereby defeating the 
prime-object of a good stopping ; to wit, impermeability to fluids, and 
other modifying influences from without. 
“ It is unfit,as it easily oxydizes and discolors the teeth ; and further, 
because in skilful hands it is never necessary, gold and tin being infi- 
nitely superior. It is dangerous, because it readily unites with acids, 
with which it may come in contact in the mouth ; and may thus gene- 
rate a poisonous compound, nearly akin to corrosive sublimate, which 
is constantly being received into the system. It is also dangerous as 
corrupting the secretions of the mouth, and inducing inflammation of 
the gums and alveoli, and because its effects can never be fully antici- 
pated, every gradation of effect having been produced, from the most 
imperceptible, even to death. 
“ In view of these facts, and from my own observation and experi- 
ence, I cannot but consider those of doubtful morality, who declare 
that an amalgam of mercury and silver is better than gold for plugging 
the teeth. 
“ Very respectfully, yours, etc., WM. H. DWINELLE.” 
“ Baltimore, June 19, 1847. 
“ Dr. E. Parmly,—Dear Sir,—I have just received your note of the 
17th, and in reply I can only say, that I have seen many teeth which 
had been filled with amalgam, and from my observation of its effects 
upon the teeth and other parts of the mouth, I do not hesitate to say 
that I consider it decidedly pernicious. Viewing the matter in this 
light, I cannot regard those who use it, asserting that it is better than 
gold, as honest or sincere in the declaration they thus make. 
“ I am, very respectfully, yours, E. NOYES.” 
Leonard Koecker, M. D., who is well known in this country and in 
Europe, as being one of the most celebrated dentists in the world, and 
whose practical skill and scientific knowledge has rarely been equalled 
in the profession, says, under date, “ London, June, 1846,” in relation 
to the use of amalgam, “ nothing but the grossest and most culpable 
ignorance of the true principles of general as well as of dental surgery, 
can form an excpse for such a practice, by which, in fact, the beautiful 
remedy of arresting the progress of caries in teeth, for the purpose of 
stopping or filling them, is perverted into the means of destroying their 
vitality, and making them the cause of the most dangerous diseases, to 
which the gums, sockets, maxillary bones and cavities are not only 
liable, but by which not unfrequently even the most important organs 
and functions of sight, hearing and smell, are impaired and gradually 
destroyed, or which may sometimes end in becoming cancerous, and 
proving fatal. The most distressing neuralgic diseases of the face 
and head, are also, in most cases, the result of such malpractice.” 
If you have paid any attention to the late controversy in the public OP AMALGAM. 
25 
journals, in relation to this matter of amalgam, you have not failed 
to perceive that the advocates of it have contended strongly that 
it is onjy used in cases where gold cannot be—this is not true. One 
of our best physicians called upon me, and said, that a patient of his 
was under the influence of mercury, from having had her teeth filled 
with l£ paste.” On an interview with this lady, I removed amalgam 
stoppings from eight teeth, all of which have since been successfully 
filled with gold—a very common case. 
I also have testimony to prove, that a celebrated user of amalgam, 
has lately taken the precaution to have it removed from his own teeth, 
and gold supplied in its place, by one of our best dentists. 
Feeling a strong desire to have the question of the fitness of amal- 
gam for stopping teeth forever set at rest, I placed in the hands of Dr. 
James R. Chilton, well known as the distinguished chemist of this city, 
several teeth which had been extracted on account of extreme suffering, 
after being filled with the amalgam; with the request that he would 
submit them to chemical tests. The following letter from that gentle- 
man contains the result of his investigations, and fully establishes the 
truth of all I have contended for, as to the effects of amalgam upon the 
teeth, and proves beyond controversy that amalgam should never be 
used in the mouth, exposed as it is to the action of agents, producing not 
only the oxide but sulphuret of mercury, both of which, when taken 
into the system, produce the specific action of mercury ; and small as 
the quantity may be so produced, whether in the mouth or after the 
substance had passed into the stomach, it has been clearly proved to 
be quite sufficient, under peculiar circumstances and in susceptible con- 
stitutions, to be the cause of alarming and disastrous consequences; 
besides, by its deleterious action upon the teeth themselves, when largely 
used, causing their inevitable destruction, by blackening, decomposing, 
and completely breaking up their entire structure. 
“ New-Yobk, Nov. 13, 1847. 
“E. Parmly, Esq.—Dear Sir,—In accordance with your request, I 
have made a chemical investigation of the various decayed teeth which 
you handed me, the cavities of which were more or less filled with the 
amalgam of silver and mercury. These teeth presented the appearance 
of having been filled a long time previous to being extracted. The me- 
tallic filling of each was quite black, and in some it was of a porous or 
spongy texture. Upon breaking open the teeth, and removing the fill- 
ings, the cavities, to a considerable depth, were found to be greatly dis- 
colored, some being quite black, and in one it was of a dark green color, 
which extended even to the extremity of its roots. 
“ From the various experiments which I have made, both upon the ex- 
ternal surface of the amalgam found in the cavities of these teeth, and 
upon the discolored portions of the teeth themselves, I have no doubt 
that the discoloration has been produced by the decomposition of a 
portion of the amalgam by the agents with which it has come in con- 
tact in the mouth, thereby producing both oxide and sulphuret of mer- 
cury, with a portion of sulphuret of silver. 
“ The tooth, the root of which was colored green, contained oxide of 
copper, no doubt derived from the amalgam which may have been made  PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS OF AMALGAM. 
by mixing mercury with the filings of ordinary silver coin, which 
always contains a portion of copper. 
“ Very respectfully, yours, JAMES R. CHILTON.” 
In conclusion, permit me to say, that however strongly amalgam 
may he recommended by some, who, for convenience, use it, regard- 
less of consequences; and by others, because they, from a total want 
of professional skill and ingenuity can use nothing else, its true cha- 
racter will be found in the foregoing testimony, which truth can nei- 
ther controvert nor set aside. 
1 have the honor to be, with high respect, 
Your obedient servant, 
E. PARMLY. 
No. i Bond-street, November, 1847.