SLADE (L)'ffWo. PRACTICAL HINTS 9 Jtgtgntb for L A. Houc;jiton, M.D., 1*5 26th st M. G. Porter, M.l) , 116 W. 34that. J. W. Warner M.D., 72 Lex. Av. Ur. S. P. Townbenw, 5th Avenue. Rev. E. F. Hatfield,103 W. S4th el Rev. Dr. De Witt, 116 9th st. Rev. A. R. Van Nest, 115 W. 23d st Rev. H. D. Ganse, 66 West. 29th at Rkv. J. Field, of M. E. Church. Rev. E. L. Janes, Rev. Me. Hanks, of P. M. Church. Hon. James Maurice, 68 Wall st Hon. Elijah Ward, 52 John st Judge Capeon, 62 West 22d st. Prof. S. B. Brittan, Ed. Sp. Age. Prop. S. Metcalf. S. S. Randall, Sup't City Schools. L. Sherwood, Esq., 146 West 25th st L. Is. Fuller^ Esq., 185 Rcade st F. S, Littlejohn, 100 Itrotd st. C. W. Kellog & Co., 44 Water st W. E. Caldwell, 66 Wall st. Flktoiier Harter, (of Harper & Bros.,) 14 West 22d at) LLOYD SLADE, 119 West Twenty-Second St. DENTISTRY. The following pages are designed, in part, to answer some of the many inquiries so frequently made by patients, and others. A repetition of them in substance, is constantly de- manded in some form. I have thought this the most appro- priate way of meeting that requirement, and could I natter myself that they will receive the attention so important a subject should claim, I shall feel that it has not been a fruitless task to prepare them. Let me entreat all into whose hands this 6hall fall, not to lay it aside till they have read it with the eame care and candor with which I have endeavored to present it. And especially is it to be hoped that parents see that their children profit by it, as with them there is ever more promise of success. Thousands have suffered from ailments of the teeth, who would have given a thrice welcome to those pages which pointed to the symptoms that indicated their com- ing affliction. Thousands still need the same caution, and after all that may be said, many will lay this aside, not realizing, till too late, that even to them it is a message of mercy, by which they should profit. For the many who seek, and for the many who need, I have prepared the following hints: Was the subject 6f Dentistry like many others, it would be needless to call attention to it, but owing to many errors in theory and abuses in practice, I feel that I cannot better serve the community than by speaking frankly of them. Few sub- jects of equal importance are as much neglected as the mouth and its appendages—indeed this neglect is almost universal; but even when attended to,operations are often so badly perform- ed as to be of little or no service. The evils resulting from these fl abuses and this neglect are far greater than might at first be supposed. The last cent wrung from the pittance of the poor, for a worse than worthless operation, bears no comparison to the suffering and injury that often result." There are thousands of persons now suffering, whose ill health was caused mainly from the fact that their teeth became diseased; food was not properly masticated, and consequently not digested; dyspepsia followed, while every disease took its rise from this source of all afflictions, and the grave is the only relief that shall be found after many years of intense suffering. There are also thousands of children with deformed and zigzag teeth, and diseased mouths, owing to the neglect of parents and to mal- practice. Many teeth become coated with tartar, (a chalky deposit, resembling clay, or colored lime.) This inflames, swells, and eats away the gums, separates them from the teeth, destroys the sockets that invest the fangs, loosens and throws them out many years in advance. There is still another kind, resembling rust, of a black, brown or greenish shade ; this often eats through the enamel of the teeth, after which they soon decuy. The loss of the teeth, from the fact that it pre. vents the mastication of food, is alone sufficient to derange the system and destroy the health of many persons ; but that the presence of decayed teeth and roots is much worse, is proved by the fact that the health is often much improved by their extraction. Most know how soon the mouth proclaims any disease of the system, but few are aware of its powerful agency in deranging the whole animal economy, and undermining the strongest constitutions. There is scarcely a disease in the whole catalogue not affected by it, in which it has not had an agency in causing or curing; of these effects we have the concurrence of many of our most eminent physicians, among whom is Dr. Rush. Do any inquire howthis is possible ? I answer, from unmasticated food ; from tartar; vitiated saliva; from gums almost putrid vvith disease ; from the decomposition of food which lodges in decayed teeth, and from nervous excitement and other causes which are con 7 sequent. By these combined influences the air we brc&ttie in poisoned in its passage through the mouth, and thus a constant stream of infected air is carried into the system, deranging its delicate machinery, and debilitating thousands, some of whom possess iron constitutions. Nor is this unreasonable ; pure air and the mastication of food are indispensable, but let it be re- membered such never inhale so much as a single breath not con- taminated. But disastrous as are these effects upon the adult portion of the community, the frail constitutions of the young are much more affected by them. Did parents know how fatally and surely the constitutions of their children are robbed of their vigor and health, surely they could not be induced thus to neglect them. Important to Parents. The habits, customs and climate of our country, cause the teeth of all to decay earlier and in greater numbers than in any other. A mercurial action in the system at the time of their formation will also render them defective. Derangement at this time by exposure, neglect of diet, ablution, or any of the laws that govern health, will not only occasion defective teeth, but are often the source of serious and wide-spread evilsi and occasion the frequent death of children at the age of teething. Haste or delay in extracting the first teeth often makes the second set very irregular. The mouth naturally enlarges at the proper time to make room for the increased size and num bep of the second set or permanent teeth, but early extraction prevents the expansion of the arch, and thus for the want of room the second set of teeth come very irregular. There is also choice in the teeth to be extracted. Owing to neglect children early lose all their first set of teeth, and a part of the second, before the age of ten years, while those that are left, by their irregularity, often involve the mouth in compli- cated diseases, and are s<>on lost. Irregular teeth are a fruitful 8 source of evil, and parents cannot give them too early attention —the firmest teeth and constitutions often yield to their influ- ence. From their crowded condition, the teeth and their sockets become inflamed, tartar is generated, the gums diseased food lodges between them and becomes decomposed, and all the evils of a diseased and deranged system follow. Most cases of irregularity may be prevented by timely attention to the temporary or first set of teeth. To do this effectually, however, it is always requisite that they be filled, if needed, to preserve them till the time for the appearance of the second or permanent teeth. Much error exists concerning teeth, but none so frequent and serious as that which pertains to the teeth of children. One of the most frequent, as before remarked, is the early ex- traction of temporary teeth. This is by far a greater source of irregularity to the permanent ones, than leaving them too long, as is often done. Another source of evil is in mistaking permanent for tempo- rary teeth, supposing, till too late, that if lost, they will be re- placed by others. The simple truth is this, children have but twenty teeth that they shed, and when these are lost, twenty permanent ones take their places. Back of these, come three . other permanent ones on either side, upper and lower, or twelve—making in all thirty-two; four of the twelve usually appear at the age of from six to eight years, four others from twelve to fourteen years, and the last four, which complete the set, (thirty-two,) from nineteen to 21 years of age. These, of course, appear one at a time on either side, upper and lower. The first of these are more frequently mistaken for primary teeth, owing to the early age at which they appear, and thus are suffered to decay, with the consoling expression that they must be shed at some time. When we remember that suffer- ing from teeth is proportioned to the age of the sufferer, and how much more sensitive to pain children are, we are not surprised that so severe an operation as the extraction of a permanent tooth should bo a marked event in their lives—so keenly marked us u to compel thorn ever to shun the dentist, and neglect all proper attention to their teeth. But were it the loss of these merely, and would the child consent to their extraction, instead of suf- fering week», as he often does, the caBe would be vastly differ- ent ; but when we reflect that their decay involves the loss of others, and subjects the mouth to a complication of diseases, the matter becomes serious. Could parents witness the an- guish of their children, as dentists are daily compelled to do, and realize how easily it might have been prevented, no other motive would be needed to induce attention to them. Parents, who sacrifice so much to promote their happiness, surely would not do less to prevent their positive misery.' But procrastina- tion, the great robber, is also here doing his fatal work. I have said that a child's first four permanent teeth often appear as early as the age of six years; but some of the tempo- rary ones are often not shed, and should not be extracted before the age of ten or eleven years. The practice of plugging primary teeth is daily increasing, and parents feel more and more its necessity. The reasons are obvious. Many of the first teeth, that should not be removed till the age of ten years, decay at the age of four, and can only be preserved the remaining six years by plugging. Now, if it be important to preserve the teeth for a series of years—if children suffer more both from their decay and loss, as they certainly do, owing to their sensitiveness and frail constitutions, which are often seriously affected by nervous excitement and neglect of mastication, and if the preservation of the first teeth will not only prevent much suffering with the second set, but also much expense upon them, is it not of the first import- ance that they receive early attention ? To none are teeth so needful, or their decay or loss so fatal, as to children, and the penalty of neglect, is a long life of regret and suffering for the perversion of one of heaven's best gifts. Prevent then, at all hazards, the irregularity of the teeth; or if you fail in this, and they come crooked, see to it that they be straightened as soon as the age of your child will admit of it. 10 1 have dwelt longer upon this subject, because of the great importance that attaches to it, and because the great funda mental error is early neglect. Here is the root of that great Upas tree, whose poison is so fatal, and which has so extended its branches. Here the great source of mischief, which I shall be thought to exaggerate, because its importance is so little. realized. Such are some of the evils to which the teeth are subject, and the only remedy is a timely and proper attention. Every method and caution should be used to keep the mouth healthy; for this purpose use waxed floss silk, soft tooth picks, and soft brushes. Banish snuff, charcoal, ashes, soot, and all powders or washes containing acids, and a host of others too often used, and use such only as are approved. Do you say it is too much trouble ? So is shaving or wash- ing the face a trouble, and may be neglected with less impunity. Do you say cleaning will injure, them? then will washing the face occasion mortification. There is but one way, to comply or suffer the consequences. Artificial Teeth and their Defects from Abuse I am often asked how serviceable artificial teeth may be made. Much depends on the form of the mouth, on its irrita- bility, upon the tact of the person using them, upon the time they have been worn, and upon other circumstances, as well as upon the skill of the Dentist. My experience and practice warrant me in saying, that usually they are of more service than was anticipated by the wearer. This is owing in part, to the late improvements and facilities that pertain to this branch of Dentistry. This is more especially true of teeth held in the mouth by atmospheric pressure. Many go to a Dentist as they would to a lottery office, trembling lest they fail to obtain a prize. But they do Dentists great injustice, in confounding them with gamblers, for it needs no prophet's ken, or rare gifts, 11 to foretell the measure of their success. Apply to a Dentist of experience, discretion, and candor, and he will seldom disappoint you. Something New. The increasing demand for artificial teeth renders their improvement a public blessing ; and it is a matter of con- gratulation that the improvements in Dentistry have kept pace so well with the enlarged wants of the community. New and valuable improvements have recently been per- fected, and are now rapidly coming into general use. Their superiority consists in combining cleanliness, strength and natural expression to a set of teeth ; while they restore the contour of the face, and, in a remarkable degree i improve the beauty, apparent ago, and general expression and effect of the whole countenance. Some of these, though comparatively new, are yet so well tested, that many aro laying aside their old style of teeth, and in the greatest con- fidence procuring the new; and time and experience have only tended to confirm the confidence of many of our best Dentists, w ii!e other so-called improvements, weighed in tho balance of lime, have been found wanting. Here, then, much must depend on good advice ; and to be truly good, it must be adapted to each individual case. Thus, advice good for one person, is wholly unsuited to another. How important, then, that your Dentist be not only competent to advise, but willing to give you his disinterested judgment. Confide, then, such trusts to such men, and let their devotion to principle be truly met and reciprocated by the community, and much that is now deplored in Dentistry will soon have passed away. While, therefore, we congratulate ourselves on these new attainments in the profession, we may also congratulate our patrons, that by them we are enabled to perform operations in this depart- ment at a considerable reduction in price. 12 Pivot teeth attached* to the roots of the natural ones are more common than those upon gold plate. There i6 also more prejudice against them. They may not only be afforded at two thirds the price, but in some cases are preferable to plate teeth. If the fangs to which they are attached, are good, nothing more is wanting to ensure success than the requisite skill in a Dentist. Thousands of teeth are spoiled, much needless pain is occasioned, which knowledge and careful management Would have prevented. Should they, as is frequently the case, be- come loosened, they are soon reset and made as firm as when new. Attend to them in time, nothing more is wanting. Plugging or Filling Teeth. • As regards the practicability of plugging teeth, there is much thought and said, much doubt and dread, much hope and fear. It is too little practiced, less understood and more ne- glected and abused, than all others in the Dentist's profession. The question is simply this : Will teeth that are decayed be effectually preserved by properly filling their cavities ? One would think it too late in the nineteenth century to differ on a subject which may be so clearly demonstrated.' Still there are thousands who would give a negative answer to this all-import- ant question. That teeth are preserved by plugging, may be inferred from the nature and cause of their decay. Time and discussion, which moulds general sentiment, has decided that their decay Is the result of chemical agencies. Powerful acids will destroy a tooth in a few hours. The decomposition of food deposited in fissures or interstices of the teeth, acquires a property and power resembling acid. It is at these points that teeth usually decay. When these fissures or cavities are properly prepared, cleansed and plugged, so that food no longer finds a lodgement in them, their further decay is arrested. The above argument 13 is daily demonstrated. The doubt in this matter has arisen from the unskillful manner in which it has been heretofore performed; and even at the present time, it is no exaggeration to say, that more than three fourths of those who attempt to perform this difficult duty, are incompetent for the task. If this be so, what could be expected by those who have occasion for such servi- ces, than that the ratio of their disappointment be the same ? Much must depend on the time, as well as manner of doing that which may be required. Early and frequent attention to the teeth is a dictate of economy, and those who apply at the eleventh hour will suffer more, pay more, and profit less by it. Remember the old ad- age, "a cent in time will save a dime." While neglect will meet its retribution and increase the emoluments of the Den- tist. The excuse, of not knowing in time that you needed a- Dentist, will not avail, this is seldom known unless you grant him the prerogative of being the original discoverer. To con- quer your dread, is to gain a victory over him, for your neglect is his interest. In vain do we call a physician in the last hour of life. The magic power of disease has wasted the energy and unnerved the power of its victim. But by timely attention, there is no disease to which the body is liable that can be treated with a more certain prospect of success than that of the teeth. If taken in season, they can always be cured, no matter if they have failed once, twice, or thrice. Such cases were never heard of under the treatment of a skillful Dentist. Many teeth are being daily filled, that will last for life. Others are often seen that have already been preserved from twenty to thirty years. True, some may as easily be preserved for this number of years, as can others for the same number of months, still, the latter class are small. Much will depend upon the material used—on the care and pains taken, on the time expended, and last, or perhaps first, on the skill of the operator. Let this matter then, be put to rest with those who doubt, by the assurance that the remedy proposed is as effectual as is eat- 14 ing to thoso who are hungry. While the efforts made and the means expended to accomplish this end, will better repay the sacrifice, than can any future attempt to repair the loss inflicted by procrastination. In other words, your natural teeth, when mended, are preferable to artificials. I'here are teeth so much diseased as to be uncertain, and should be p5inted out. There are others past hope; such should be removed. Illustrations of Bad Dentistry. Few realize the value of candor and fidelity in the advice given by a Dentist. It is as much his business to refuse to perform certaiu operations, as to advise the performance of others. Great evils have resulted from efforts to do what should never have been attempted. Let us illustrate. Not long since, we saw a set of eight or ten teeth, which, after being worn about one year, failed—the reason was, they were clasped to decayed teeth. Soon after, another set, mounted upon silver plate. The action of the fluids of the mouth had so affected them, that they bore a strong resemblance to the pipe of a stove coated with lampblack, and had not only become wortllless, but a positive evil—such is the corrosive nature of silver in many mouths. The money paid was lost for the want of good advice. A few months ago a lady called at my office with a set of artificials. They were clasped to the wrong teeth. The clasps were too narrow and too light, the teeth were neither of the shape, shade, nor size to appear natural—the plate did not set to the roof of the mouth by about one eighth of an inch, and to cap the climax, the wearer was told by the Den- tist that were it to do so, the mouth would thereby be made sore. Again, only a few weeks since, a lady called and desired mo to extract two front teeth. The facts, as I had them from her, were these: Some time previous, she applied to a Den 15 tist to have them plugged, and as they were found to be some- what sensitive, arsenic was applied to them to destroy the sen- sation. TLe orders were that it remain several days—the proper time would have been from three to five hourt, depend- ing on the age and constitution of the person. When ex- tracted, the cavities tvere small and well plugged, yet the teeth very painful. They were doubtless lost by the injudicious use of the acid referred to above. Case 5th. But a few weeks since, a gentleman applied for a set of teeth. Whether his fifth or Reventh attempt, I am. unable to say. Suffice it that his experience was related thus: " Sir, I had the misfortune some time since to lose two of my front teeth; I applied to a Dentist, who substituted two artifi- cial ones, and the operation was repeated from time to time, till they cost me $118 and some cents. The last two I wore from the Park three fourths of a mile up Broadway, when they came out, and I have since kept them carefully boxed up." Case 6th. My last was the case of a gentleman, well known to our citizens, who called to have an atmospheric plate re- paired, saying that he had a set of block teeth. I inquired why he called them " block 1" observing that they were not. He replied that they had been so often repaired as to lose their identity—others had been added, till none of the*original was left. I suggested the propriety of a new set, instead of the re- pair of the old one. After some reflection, he decided that economy, utility and convenience combined to make it policy, and that therefore he should comply. I will only add, that such was the chance for improvemeut.in the first set, that the second could not only be made much more substantial and durable and worn with greater convenience, but were really of double service. And now let us come to the point, and inquire what were the real causes of the above blunders. Were they unavoidable ? Not at all. Was the dentist careless, ignorant, or indifferent ? Was he too much hurried with business, and so gave the opera- 16 Hon to an apprentice, or to incompetent hands ? or was he antiquated, and not posted up in modern improvments, and too old to learn ? Or still worse, had he years since acquired a reputation, and early success induced conceit, till the great stimulus to effort had left him with only a name ? He who thinks himself perfect will never improve. Or did you. like many, compel the man to sell himself, or tempt him by too paltry a sum, such as no good dentist can afford to operate for i. A close analysis of the causes will doubtless demonstrate that some one of these is the real secret of so many bad opera- tions in dentistry, in which the patient is too often implicated. Dental Characteristics and Affinities. All know that New York city contains its hundreds of Den- tists of every position and ability; and the many defective ope- rations shows the mistakes made in the selection of a Dentist, and the importance of judging of them by their real merit, in- stead of the standard often applied. Those in search of a Dentist, either desire.the best product of skill possible, or the best possible for a given price, but in deciding where to obtain it, often take the advice of some friend who is no judge, or are determined by the show and glitter of the person and place selected. A costly set of teeth is often found useless be- cause of the error of the rule applied in the selection of a Dentist. A good set could have been obtained much less, had the wearer been more discreet in obtaining them. The man of ability and integrity, rather than the showy and self-suffi- cient one; the man who, if need be, will, from principle, consult your interest instead of his own, must of necessity stand between the extremes of high and low, and if found, prove to be the object of youi search. I would not contend for high or low prices. It is optional with those who pay to make their own selection; and few Dentists even will refuse any amount which their 17 friends so willingly bestow. Enough for me to allude to the disparity, hint at the remedy, and aid if possible the thousands in search of Dental operations in escaping the disappointments from which others have suffered so severely. Those who wish to aid a man in supporting high position, will not want for op- portunity ; let them do it, only let it be done understanding^, and in paying for what's in a name, not pay too dearly for what they fancy is in it; while those who take the other horn of the dilemma, " pay dear for the whistle," go to poor Den- tists, and thus encourage bad Dentistry, the very evil they so much complain of. I ought not under this head to omit that Dental character- istic, often so fatal to coraunmity; I refer to the frequent claims of the advertiser to some "New Style," "Peculiar Mode," or " Improved Method." The stale repetition," I am the inventor or possessor of a superior, or a cheaper mode," &c., &c, in the loss of novelty, has daily increased in offensiveness and impudence; and still the claim is urged with a vehemence often proportioned to its falsity. It is needless to pronounce three quarters of this worse than pretension, because all the improve- ments worth knowing at once become the common property of the profession. While the reckless claim exclueiveness, and are puffing some useless thing, or spoiling some good one by their indiscreet haste for notoriety, the more prudent, quiet in'their possession of the same remedies and appliances, " bide their time;" spread no such sail for popular applause: first, proving, then holding fast what is good, and commending it when tested. Here, on the one hand, is seen the cause of blustering preten- sion, and on the other the reliance of a more deliberate and dis- creet judgement—not the false conclusion spoiled by passion— but the true and natural results of simple conviction. It were well to mark these differences. It were well if all this false glare and sham parade received its reward—for many can ill afford to be duped by the bait so often successful, and the con- fident promises made but to disappoint. One might wail 18 for the remedy of experience—but alas ! the past affords little hope. This is no fictitious or fanciful representation. Thousands daily worship at this false shrine, by paying a bounty to charlatanism, or fancied greatness, to whom " distance lends enchantment;" while unobtrusive merit, and well-earned but less conspicuous reputation, is trifled with, in our zeal to pamper conceit and ostentation. I cannot suppress the desire to give an incident tending to demonstrate the remark made above. A lady from abroad applied to a New York dentist for professional services; being engaged at the time ho was unable to perform the desired operation; and, as she was in haste to leave the city, requested him to direct her to some one who could do it. But he gravely informed her that he knew no one whom he dared to recom- mend to her. I was told by my informant, who accompanied the lady, that she heard his remark with great pain, believing his doctrine to be orthodox. This species of monomania is by far too common. The poor man was so dazzled with his own luminous self, as to be unable to see, in all New York, another star of equal magnitude. Comment is unnecessary.- I will only add, that the lady re- ferred to was one of the first class, and believed the dentist to whom she applied to be of the same stamp. But in all New York, to him doubtless the great central system, there was no other Bun. Effects of Teeth upon Health. It is now generally conceded by those physicians who have given most attention to this subject, that the diseases of the mouth have a more important bearing upon the general health, and specific diseases, than has heretofore been supposed. When we reflect upan the intimate connection of the mouth with 19 the various parts of the system; the relation it sustains, and the offices it performs—we shall not be likely to think its im- portance too highly estimated. Every part of the system haa its office, and if the feet are needed for walking, the teeth are equally necessary for mastication; and if lameness in one case deranges the whole movement, it is equally so in the other. Were a mau to submit to the I068 of a finger when he could- have easily saved it, we should think him strangely delinquent; and yet we are taught by authority that the loss of a single tooth often involves the mouth in disease, and results in the loss of all the teeth, and ultimately produces some raging and fatal disease. I know this is an extreme case, and that it could only occur where many elements in the constitution gave the predisposition to such a result. Be it so, but if a cause, appa- rently so slight, produce so fatal an effect, what consequences may not follow more efficient causes ? Many a mouth is worse than a stagnant pool, and every tooth a shaft of agony. Now, suppose these be possessed by a person of frail constitution ; if you choose, one of our most effeminate ones,_with scarce vigor of body sufficient to retain the soul. Is any greater cause re- quired to " shuffle off this mortal coil," and destroy a citadel scarce able to stand before this new engine was brought to bear upon it ? Let us remember then, that there are thousands of constitutions of the most frail and delicate machinery, with nerves of sensation and sympathy, like so many telegraphs, bearing poison and agony through every avenue of life. Can we doubt the fatal result 1 But these effects are not seen alone upon the frail. There is sufficient potency in their causes often to wreck the strongest bodies, and whether the philosophy be apparent or not, the fact is undeniable. Many a case, so stubborn as to give no heed to medicine, and for many a weary year refusing utterly to be comforted, only upon the condition that the mouth re- ceive due respect and proper attention- has, on acceding to its claim and restoring the mouth, yielded its obstinacy, and health has again been restored. 20 These are not drafts upon fancy; scores of cases con- firming the above facts, have been cited by men most compe- tent to judge. Volumes might be filled with similar facts, to say nothing of minor consequences, and a host of others that can never be traced to their true cause. Neuralgia. If a diseased mouth be occasionally the cause, and its cure the removal of a variety of diseases, there is one which more often results from diseased teeth, than from all other causes combined. I refer to that most agonizing of all diseases, viz : Neuralgia. This, and Tic Doloureux, are nervous affections of the severest type, and as the nerves affected in these dis- eases bear so close a relation to the nerves of the teeth, they are of necessity involved with, and affected by them. What means what is termed nervous tooth-ache ? Why does the ear often ache worse than the tooth which is its real cause, or why throb the temples with agony ? The solution is found in the fact, that the nerves are the net-work, and connecting links of a machine, as delicate as it is marvelous. Theii blending constitutes a web of sympathy, each affected by the impressions of the other, like the touch of an electric wire, which sends a thrill to the extremity of the whole system. Is it strange that nerve affects nerve with untold agony, or ex- quisite delight, when facts follow facts in quick and swift succession upon the telegraphic wire ? Only expose the nerve of a tooth to the air, and you kindle a raging fire—you touch a string in the wondrous machine that vibrates disci rd through all its parts. To cure such a disease without removing the cause, is as vain as the attempt to save a sinking ship by manning the pumps while the leak is disregarded, and yet many attempt what is equally impracticable. 21 The Medical Profession. My thanks are due the profession for their kind cooperation. Their mission is a self sacrificing and benign one, and too often unappreciated, but when in addition to the legitimate claims of a more limited channel of duty, they, in the spirit of en- larged science aud true benevolence, generously aid the com- munity, and direct the unwary to a judicious selection of a competent Dentist, they are justly entitled to our thauks, and the thanks of. those whom they aid with such fidelity. Daily experience demonstrates that the abuses of dentistiy are neither few nor small, and their correcfion, like other abuses, is a work of time through { public sentiment. The relation of physicians enables them to mould that sentiment to a greater extent perhaps, than that of any other class of men. Dentist- ry not only deserves to rank high in importance as a separate calling, but elevated to its true position, it becomes at least one of the physician's auxiliaries, and as such, deserves attention commensurate with its importance. Nor do we forget our other friends, who have so kindly given their influence in our behalf. It is a tribute of good will, to which we heartily respond. May their kindness be recipro- cated, and their " shadows never grow less." Our patrons too, when in the midst of severe labor, have gladdened our hearts by appreciating and sympathizing with its perplexities, deserve and receive their full share of our highest regard. To each and all of these, this little work is dedicated, trusting that it may prove a fit offering to those who deserve some generous return and personal acknowledgement, as a token that their kindness is not unappreciated. High and Low Prices. Much might, here be said of prices, but my limited space compels me to omit it. No class of persons differ more in this 22 than Dentists; nevertheless, much as they differ, thero is a greater difference in the quality of the operations they perform. Many who avoid cheap furniture and cheap clothing, so termed, will nevertheless go to a cheap Dentist, ("of all articles the most dangerous.) Three fourths of the community fail to dis- criminate in their selection of a Dentist, and while one extreme pay far less, the other pays much more than they should. If a large proportion of dental operations are defective, it proves that there are a like proportion of Dentists, who either cannot or will not operate well, and if their patrons are satisfied, it is only that they have not detected their defects. In the pur- chase of many goods, our eye and knowledge lead us correctly— not so with dentistry. We fail to estimate it rightly, as we do watches and jewelry, for we cannot know the elements which would aid us in a correct judgement. Here is the secret of so many worthless operations. The difficulty of testing their merits leads us to select a dentist from party, sectarian, or other false considerations. Dentists are often cheap from want of skill and the use of worthless material; and experience has shown that the cheap- est are usually the dearest. The Dentist of integrity will scorn to secure your patronage by fixing a price so low that he cannot perform his operations well; and will ultimately be found cheap by preventing many evils, accomplishing much good, and not attempting to perform that which is not practi- cable. Many have spent several years to acquire their pro- fession, and had competent instructors. Others have scarcely spent as many months, even with instructors who knew next to nothing of the business. The various estimates placed upon dental operations have resulted from this fact. Judge be- tween them, and do not foster quackeiy, or come in conflict with your own interest. You will find it pojicy to employ Buch Dentists as are permanent, for it is as much to their interest to perform their operations well, as it is yours to have them so—as hia success in business will depend upon their character. Do not judge hastily of their character, 23 for several years are often necessary to test them, and I have often known the inexperienced to give their preference to operations that least merited it. Thbso which have lasted several years, might often be made to last three times as long. Wo all know the rage to obtain an object cheap, but why not remember that in dentistiy, above every thing else, none but a good operation can be cheap, and the cost of a good one, must of necessity be greater than that of a' poor one. Why cheat ourselves, deny our senses, and war with our better judgement, by doing as we would not do in any other matter. Let us illustrate: Suppose two dentists are applied to for a set of teeth. The first charges you $80, the second $100. The one uses ordinary material, and performs the operation in half the time—the other spares no time nor ex- pense. The second asks you $20 more, and has probably been to $30 more expense. To the wearer, the case is worth double. Is there any question as to which is the cheapest 1 This is an illustration of every-day practice. The one appears to be cheap, that he may secure business and make money. The other desires an honorable reputation, and expends time and money to obtain it. The low priced competitor, is patron- ized, though he makes more money at his low prices, while his patrons are cheated. The more honorable is neglected and constantly tempted by the community to engage in a systematic course of cheapening and cheating his way to a lucrative prac- tice. Let those who are accustomed to complain of a few dollars paid to a good dentist, remember that these are facts . and that in paying this they have simply consulted their own interest These facts hold good in all departments of dentistry. The good dentist often makes the least, while such as exult in a cheap operation, learn too late that there was delusion in these magic words. Let those who deprecate the evils of bad dentistry, aid us in making it better, and let not the de- Bire to obtain an object cheap, lead such to oppose their own interest by withholding a few dollars, when requisite to make it so. 24 Need more be said to correct those crying abuses, by which your nearest neighbor was so lately deceived. Nor is this but one side of the question. The other extreme is seen in those who tax you for their self-sufficiency. The beginning and end of their creed centres in themselves. They are fully persuaded that all who look on them love them—that they were born to bless mankind, and when they die, all knowledge dies, and cone are left to comfort their dear patients. Both of these classes exist, and while they affect great love for the dear people, are only feeling for your purse strings. Beware of Doth extremes. Discard the man who estimates himself so far below par, as to throw himself into market at half price, and avoid the vain and presumptuous one, who flatters himself that others were born indebted to him, and should pay a bounty that ho may je recompensed for his superior skill. I have with frankness and sincerity said what to me seems appropriate to the occasion. My aim has been to correct errors expose abuses, and point to their causes and remedy, stimulate the negligent to a higher estimate of the subject, and to im- part information much desired and much more needed. If these few hints, which my limits compel me to condense, Bhall prove a guide to any who desire aid; if they shall incite some of the many who neglect, to an earlier attention to that which they too late regret, and would freely.make sacrifices to retrieve, or if this subject shall receive a small proportion of the attention its importance demands, I 6hall not regret that I have spoken in its behalf, and pointed to the penalty of Hi unheeded clai-as. SLADE & BROTHER. No. 119 W. Twt'Uyseeond Street New York. SLADE & BROTHER, 9 119 West 22nd Street, A few doors East of1th Avenue, NEW YORK.