FOR SWAGING GOLD PLATES. 373 



It occurred to me some years since, to sub- 

 stitute squeezing for striking, but the introduc- 

 tion of the vulcanite for a time set my notion 

 aside. From two to three years' experience 

 with the vulcanite has enabled dentists to un- 

 derstand its capabilities, its great use for under- 

 gums and for upper palates where the gums have 

 much receded ; still I believe it has brought most 

 to see the vast superiority of a correct gold plate 

 for the upper denture, where it can Ibe used. 



"With this view I proposed to the manufac- 

 turers of the improved patent hydraulic press, that 

 they should make me a small press, of at least 

 ten tons' pressure ; and, after forwarding a de- 

 sign of such machine, it has been made and been 

 in use in my workroom for some weeks. 



Our experience fully justifies the anticipations 

 formed of it. It is quite an addition to the capa- 

 bilities of a workshop, taking up but little room. 

 A child four years of age can exert a pressure of 

 from five to six tons, — ^it has been used to ten 

 or twelve. We have made several large plates, 

 which fit weU. 



The ordinary pressure of a four-pound hammer, 

 as struck by a dentist, varies from 80 pounds to 

 150 pounds; but that struck by a blacksmith might 

 reach two hundredweight. We have found it for 

 single teeth of very little advantage, and in some 

 cases prefer the hammer to the press. 



It is very simple in its work, takes but little 



