104 INFLUENCE OF SYPHILIS ON THE TEETH. 



the enamel being very soft, and probably contain- 

 ing a smaller proportion of calcareous salts than 

 the normal quantity. From this circumstance the 

 notch is not so marked in some cases, though its 

 commencement may be observed. 



*' In nearly every case there is a deficiency in 

 the superior alveolar arch, at the anterior portion 

 so great in some patients that the upper and 

 lower incisors are a considerable distance from 

 each other when the mouth is shut. In these 

 latter, the notched appearance is well marked, the 

 teeth not having been worn by mastication. 



" Teeth (incisors) having a notched appearance 

 are not very uncommon, but they are rarely so 

 marked as with these patients. The upper 

 central incisors, instead of having their internal 

 or mesial borders slightly everted, as in every 

 well-developed arch, have them, in these patients, 

 slightly inverted towards the palate. 



3. *' Colour, — This is very characteristic, being 

 of a dirty, translucent shade, not perhaps unlike 

 the size frequently seen in the oil- shops, and 

 therefore somewhat difficult to describe, but, when 

 once seen, is readily recognized again." 



