Z ^ ON THE MATERIALS 



had the priority, although the Walrus tusk. Whale 

 teeth, and Elephant ivory were severally used for 

 dental purposes. The Hippopotamus ivory more 

 nearly resembles in character human dentine 

 than any other substance used by dentists* The 

 oleaginous character of Walrus ivory renders it 

 capable of resisting, to a considerable degree, the 

 action of the acids in the mouth. It also admits 

 of a high degree of polish ; but, on account of its 

 softness, is readily worn down by mastication. 

 Whale teeth are objectionable on account of their 

 offensive odour and bad colour. Natural teeth 

 could only be considered by comparing them with 

 the mineral teeth of the present day. The author 

 enumerated various combinations of these mate- 

 rials as dental substitutes, and passed encomiums 

 upon the artistic excellence of some amongst the 

 early practitioners in dentistry. He considered 

 the introduction of mineral teeth as a step in the 

 right direction, and contrasted the French manu- 

 facture with those at present in use. These were 

 considered as far from perfect, being wanting in 

 strength. The liability of mineral teeth to frac- 

 ture was a cause of great annoyance, which the 

 exercise of skill could not obviate. 



Mineral teeth had been puffed by quacks and 

 charlatans as indestructible and incorrodible, and 

 thus was introduced into the profession an ele- 

 ment of competition more or less destructive to 

 its dignity. The introduction of palladium, dental 



