DR. WETHERBEE’S ADDRESS 
BEFORE THE . 
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dental Profession. 
V BY 
I. J. WETHERBEE, D. D. S. 
Address before the Massachusetts Dental Society, at 
its Second Annual Meeting, May 24, 1866. 
BOSTON: 
PRESS OF T. R. MARVIN & SON, 42 CONGRESS STREET. 
1 8 6 6. At the Second Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Dental Society, 
held May 24, 1866; on motion of Dr. E. G. Leach, it was “ Voted, That 
the thanks of the Society be tendered to Dr. I. J. Wetherbee for his 
Address, and that it be published in pamphlet form, for the benefit of the 
members of this Society, and for preservation in our Archives.” 
L. D. SHEPHARD, Secretary. 
46 Dover Street, June 5, 1866. 
To the Massachusetts Dental Society: 
Please accept my acknowledgment for the vote of thanks you have tendered 
me, and be assured that the very acceptable manner in which my Address was 
received, leaves me no choice but to place it at your disposal. 
Very respectfully yours, 
I. J. WETHERBEE. ADDRESS. 
Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Massachusetts Dental 
Society : 
In entering upon the third year of our existence, 
it seems to me highly important that we retrospect 
the past; that we may gather instruction from 
events which have transpired, and which necessarily 
form a part of the history of our young and pros- 
perous Society. 
An all-wise Providence has dealt tenderly with 
us, for it is not said of any member of this numer- 
ous circle of professionally devoted men, “ The 
silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl broken, 
or the pitcher broken at the fountain, or the wheel 
broken at the cistern.” 
All we are, and ever hope to be, is due to the 
inspiring truths of revelation and science. There 
is no record of higher authority than the sacred 
volume, wherein is recorded, “ Whatsoever a man 
soweth that shall he also reap,” and which also de- 
clares, “ The hand of the diligent maketh rich.” 4 
Whatever degree of knowledge and proficiency we 
may have attained, is due to an appreciation of 
these truths, and a personal, patient application of 
the talents which God has given us for good and 
practical purposes. 
Utopian theorizers may stir up dust, to the disad- 
vantage of their fellows, and becloud the minds of 
the less observing for the time being ; but truth is 
mighty and must prevail; for “ it seeketh the light; ” 
indeed, it bringeth to light things that were hidden. 
To know the truth, and to walk in the light thereof; 
and to be “ living epistles known and read of all 
men,” I consider to be no less our duty, as members 
of an active society, than it is for the moralist to 
present a blameless record of himself to his fellow 
men. 
Dental Surgery, our chosen specialty, embraces 
vast truths which are accessible only as we remove 
superficial incrustations which environ them, and 
by careful analysis separate the true from the 
false, so fully as to be able to recognize their 
adaptation and application to the highest claims 
of man. 
During the year, the meetings of the Society have 
been well attended, which is commendable for the 
past, and augurs well for the future ; very general 
harmony has characterized our deliberations; a 5 
variety of topics have been discussed, intimately 
related to our specialty, which have produced in 
some minds a thorough conviction that too little has 
been known of the best modes of practice in years 
gone by, and aroused a commendable zeal to perfect 
themselves in all that appertains to a skillful prac- 
titioner of dental surgery. 
We have also learned that in every man there 
are valuable and useful experiences, which only 
need the light of social intercourse, to command our 
respect, and sometimes our admiration. Profes- 
sional reticence, which involves exclusiveness, has 
had its day of doubtful glory, and must be classified 
with the greed of the miser, who hoards his gold 
for his own pleasure; whose heart is encased as 
with steel, and answereth not the calls of the needy, 
however great their extremity. To be permeated 
with this truth, “ It is more blessed to give than to 
receive,” is to become resolved to that status which 
makes a man useful with reference not so much to 
‘ dollars and cents,’ as to the good he may do. 
The confession of several members of this Society 
that they have been materially or practically bene- 
fited by clinics and various discussions, is the best 
argument I can offer in favor of the practical utility 
of organized effort, and the elucidation of the 
statement previously made. This benefit does not 6 
accrue solely to the advantage of the practitioner of 
dental surgery, but may be felt and duly appreciated 
by his patients, in the greater thoroughness and 
comfort obtained from operations performed. 
The ordeal of dental operations to very many pa- 
tients is a very trying one ; sometimes so much so, 
that they prefer to lose valuable members of the 
dental circle, rather than submit to the infliction of 
pain, unavoidable in obtaining favorable results. 
The acquisition of knowledge which shall leave 
this incarnate demon shorn of his power to augment 
the miseries of a professional hour, is an attainment 
realized by comparatively few, and by them only 
as they have labored to become masters of the 
varied conditions and phases which are continually 
presenting themselves for their consideration. 
It is not to be expected, however desirable it 
might be, that we shall see eye to eye in all matters 
pertaining to the practice of dental surgery. Pre- 
vious education, or the want of it, have established 
opinions in the minds of many, which have grown 
with their years of practice, until a confirmed habit 
of thought limits the proper exercise of judgment, 
and naturally forestalls advancement into fields of 
rich discoveries, in the gleaning of which great 
possessions of power would be obtained. 
Whatever may be the diversity of opinion with 7 
reference to this or that theory, one kind of practice 
or another, we should, by a suggestive style of 
debate, show at least that there is ‘ unity in diver- 
sity,’ which is beautifully illustrated in the harmony 
of nature. Schismatic amplifications afford no 
proper nourishment to a body corporate, but the 
reverse; extending their miasmatic contagion to 
other unaffected parts. By proper care the doubtful 
may be eliminated from the positive, without hurt 
to the body where such antagonisms have unfor- 
tunately existed. 
From various stand-points, men have constructed 
their theories, and have practiced them with greater 
or lesser success, according to their correctness. 
Idiomatic precision of statement does not necessa- 
rily make a proficient in the highest order of dental 
practice. Theories elaborated into a profuse gen- 
eralization loose much of their force for want of 
centralization. Ambiguity of statement carries us 
away from the heart of the subject in question, 
shutting out the light and beauty which always 
appear when truth is sought for with an humble, 
patient mind. 
Classifications and distinctions are worthless 
unless clothed with true merit. No ephemeral 
display will suffice to carry forward the work to be 
done. It can only succeed in the hands of earnest 8 
workers, who shall persistently by precept and 
example, set forth and impress the minds of others 
with those inspiring truths which awaken to life 
and activity the slumbering abilities that lie scat- 
tered around the golden fields of promise. Facts 
are weighty when aggregated from those varied 
experiences, which are peculiar to the personal his- 
tory of every individual worker in this department 
of science. 
The history of the dental profession (which is 
the oldest of specialties) in its rise and progress, is 
not unlike other professions, for it has had its day of 
small things, in character, ability and success. We 
have but to refer to the historic repute of surgery 
in Europe, where it first took up the scalpel, to 
recognize a striking similarity. Being universally 
subject to the dictation of the medical profession, 
it was without character. And whatever of ability 
might be displayed, or success obtained, he was 
“ only a surgeon.” 
But how changed ! For many years the profes- 
sional surgeon has held rank second to none among 
all the liberal professions, either in Europe or 
America. But how has this change transpired ] 
Certainly not because human life is more valuable 
now than formerly, or because an advancement in 
intelligence enables us to award a larger meed of 9 
praise to him who dexterously wields the scalpel. 
Surgery has been made a specialty; herein is the 
problem of its success solved. And this demon- 
strates how fully a branch of science may become 
invested with power, when talent is appropriated 
or applied to a specific end. 
Knowledge is power, however gained; but there 
are certain channels through which knowledge may 
be systematically obtained. I would therefore urge 
upon the consideration of every young man who 
contemplates entering upon the study of dentistry, 
the practicability of first graduating at some 
Medical College, and of attending a full course of 
instruction at some one of the Dental Colleges; 
that he may be thoroughly furnished unto every 
good work w7hich appertains to his specialty. If 
he cannot graduate at more than one for want of 
means to pay his way, let the Dental College have 
by far the greater preference. 
I cannot too strongly urge the necessity of the 
latter course; for the time has come when every 
student of dentistry should feel the importance of 
establishing a public confidence in his ability to 
meet, in a scientific manner, the exigencies of every 
case which may come under his professional notice. 
It is due both to himself and patients that all proper 
assurances and guaranties be at hand, that the line 10 
of demarcation may be so obvious, that empirics 
and charlatans will find their occupation gone. 
Dental Colleges, of which there are five, have 
played an important part in redeeming the profes- 
sion from the condition of a mere handicraft; and 
have given to the wrorld many intelligent men, 
wThose ability and scientific attainments claim for 
them honorable mention and high regard. 
The formation of Dental Societies is another 
means of promoting the welfare of the profession. 
Every practical dentist should seek for associate 
membership, and rest not until he obtains it. He 
may have to work hard and apply himself to dili- 
gent study before the goal is reached; but all this 
will accrue to his personal benefit. 
It is true that in some localities Mutual Admira- 
tion Societies have kept men aloof from dental 
organizations, as though they feared contamination 
by professional contact. It is useless, however, to 
oppose the progressive tendencies of the times. 
We therefore say to old fogies, or to the pseudo 
conservative men, to beware of their opposition to 
concentrated effort, lest Young America should 
overwhelm them by discovering to them the dark- 
ness of their own conceit. 
The time has passed, when with any show of 
justice it could be reasonably said of the qualified 11 
dental practitioner, “ He is only a dentist.” We 
have become a positive necessity to every house- 
hold ; moreover, our profession has so far advanced, 
through careful study and patient labor, that the 
results are sure of subserving the positive wants of 
our patients ; and, to be without a dentist, is the 
exception and not the rule. 
No intelligent man or woman will hold a thor- 
oughly qualified dental surgeon second to the medi- 
cal practitioner, only so far as dentistry is a spe- 
cialty, and therefore bears a limited relation to the 
whole of medical practice. From what depths of 
woe and languishing estate are patients brought to 
enjoy freedom from pain, and ‘ how removed are 
they from the appearance of premature old age.’ 
How many have been recovered of numerous 
ills which have baffled the skill of the medical 
practitioner, by setting their ‘ dental apparatus ’ 
in order, when, as by magic, “ health came 
again.” 
To practical dentists the world is indebted for 
the most valuable treatises or works on the human 
teeth and their diseases. Almost every graduate 
from a Medical College can say with truthfulness, 
“ I was only instructed in the order of development 
of both first and second dentition.” In fact, the text 
books used in Medical Colleges and Schools only 12 
treat of the teeth with reference to their number 
and the order of their eruption. 
The rapid advance of dentistry as a specialty, 
holding, as it does, such intimate relation to medi- 
cal practice, claims honorable acknowledgment by 
the liberal professions of to-day. If they are slow 
in granting a formal recognition, they are swift to 
avail themselves of the most distinguished services 
that can be obtained. 
As to the demand for, and the propriety of estab- 
lishing a Dental College in the City of Boston, for 
the accommodation of students of the New Eng- 
land States and the British Provinces, there is at 
present a diversity of opinion. That such, an 
enterprise would be attended with desirable re- 
sults, provided it were commenced and carried 
through with untiring energy, no one will doubt. 
But harrassing fears of failure seem to hide from 
view the possibility of accomplishing so great a 
work. I trust the subject will receive from our 
hands that consideration which it so eminently 
deserves. 
Are there not men of wealth, in this community, 
who will gladly aid us in establishing, on a firm 
basis, a school of instruction, where young men 
may be fitted for all the practical duties belonging 
to our profession X Until an effort is made in this 13 
direction, we shall never know how well, or how 
poorly, we might have succeeded. 
It is quite evident, that there is yet much to be 
done in private as well as associate capacity, in re- 
forming abuses which have long been tolerated by 
dental practitioners and the public at large. The 
low fees charged by many, for dental operations, are 
a shame and disgrace to the profession. But, at 
the same time, it is all, and more than they are 
worth; and when such are expostulated with, in 
reference to the quality of their operations and the 
fees charged, their reply is, “ My patients will not 
pay me for good, first class operations.” 
Now one of two things is true; either they cannot 
perform good and substantial operations required 
by patients generally, or they are a party to a 
system of empiricism which every honorable man 
should scout, from the early rising of the sun to 
the going down thereof. 
Are the public to be the measurers and weighers 
of professional excellence, and wrest from indi- 
vidual practitioners the right and privilege to be 
honest, upright men l or shall they dictate to us 
a programme alike discreditable to them and us \ 
Verily, nay ! But what shall be done when the 
patient has not the means wherewith to pay for 
thorough operations \ Do your work well and 14 
thoroughly, if not half paid for it. You will then 
have the satisfaction, at least, of not having sacri- 
ficed your reputation for dollars and cents; nay, 
more, and the comfort of your patients, which is 
not to be computed by any monied consideration. 
The practice alluded to is a pernicious one ; for it 
keeps at a low standard many whom we believe to 
be honest, but mistaken men, thereby entailing 
injury and disgrace upon the profession. 
Let every man so avail himself of the facilities 
now easy of access, as to acquit himself at the bar 
of his own enlightened conscience, and he will have 
little difficulty, if he is competent, in providing 
bread for himself and family, and honoring in some 
good degree the profession of which he is ever so 
humble a member. 
Another evil exists which calls for united action 
for its removal. I refer to the practice among some 
dentists, (not of this Society, however,) of turning 
out yearlings or unfledged dentists, who go forth with 
the prefix of doctor to their name, without any 
right to the assumption of such a distinguishing 
title, other than that they have entered in at one 
door, and passed out of another, of some dental 
office or laboratory; the head of which is first and 
mostly culpable in setting in motion this base impo- 
sition upon the community. 15 
I hold that three years of diligent study and 
faithful practice, with the promise of graduating 
at some one of the Dental Colleges, is the only 
honorable way of rendering unto the profession 
its due, and affording the public those professional 
safeguards which they have a right to claim at our 
hands. Let it be understood that no man can have 
access to our offices as a student, unless he shall 
comply with the above regulations, and a severe 
scourge to suffering humanity will be abated. 
I desire to call the attention of the Society to the 
advantages to be derived from the possession and 
use of a microscope. Under its power we have 
revealed to us much that otherwise must remain in 
obscurity, which when revealed is of great service 
to us. I have not the time, nor is this the place to 
enlarge upon this subject. The suggestion, I have 
no doubt, will receive that attention which it 
demands. 
I will also call your attention to the practicability 
of frequently holding clinics, as being one of the 
best means of demonstrating ‘ the best modes of prac- 
tice ’ in the operative department of our profession. 
Light may be so arranged at clinical demonstrations, 
as to allow of convenience in operating on many 
teeth which may come under our notice. 16 
In conclusion, let a goodly fellowship unite us 
in the bonds of professional esteem, that we may 
jointly prosecute the work before us, with a view 
to the advancement in knowledge and skill com- 
mensurate with the greatness of our profession, 
and the increasing demand for our services. May 
our intelligence, skill and uprightness be worthy 
of emulation ; that we may provoke others to 
eminent good works in the field of our chosen 
labor. 
It is our duty to transmit to those who shall 
come after us not only an honorable record as men, 
but, to make that record replete with evidences of 
professional excellence, which shall command the 
respect and admiration of all true lovers of science. 
It needs no prophetic vision to measure the future, 
or to foretell the rapid advancement of our profes- 
sion in intelligence, ability and character. Its rapid 
growth for the past fifteen years is the earnest of 
this expectation; and its fulfillment, the younger 
members of this Society may live to see accom- 
plished. And may we never forget, that 
“ Years following years steal something every day; 
At last they steal us from ourselves away.”