30 ON ABSORPTION. 



could not, we presume, occur if the bone had under- 

 gone any degree of degeneration. 



Eeviewing the whole subject, we are led to the 

 conclusion — 



That the cause of absorption in teeth is the 



destruction or separation of the peridental 



membrane from the surface of the tooth. 

 That this is always the result of a vascular 



surface brought into immediate contact with 



that membrane. 

 That the vascular surface may be induced by 



accident or disease! 

 But that, in normal absorption of the deciduous 



teeth, it is the external surface of the enamel 



organ of the growing permanent tooth which 



fulfils this office. 

 That the development of the new tooth has a 



distinct and decided influence upon the 



progress of absorption of the deciduous 



tooth. 

 That in those cases where the deciduous teeth 



are early removed, it has been the result of 



some abnormal cause. 



