INTRODUCTION. 



THE Introduction to this work is rather an ad- 

 junct to than an explanation of the body of the 

 book, for it gives at least a synopsis of some of 

 the fundamental principles of dental science. It 

 is an exposition of the nature, uses, anatomy, his- 

 tology, and peculiarities of teeth generally, and is 

 besides both interesting and valuable historically. 

 Tooth transplanting possibilities as well as impos- 

 sibilities are demonstrated ; but it must be con- 

 fessed that these experiments are neither as useful 

 nor practicable as the replanting of a sound human 

 tooth when extracted by accident. 



While the introductory matter does not treat 

 specially of horses' teeth, it is just as applicable to 

 them as to human teeth, or to those of any of the 

 other animals mentioned. It is believed that the 

 student of dental science will find it as useful as 

 it is interesting. 



The authorities quoted speak best for themselves. 

 Their productions are terse, clear, and thorough. 



Professor Kichard Owen says ("The Anatomy 

 of the Vertebrates/' vol. i, pp. 357-8) : " A tooth 

 is a .hard body attached to the mouth or begin- 

 ning of the alimentary canal, partially exposed when 

 developed. Calcified teeth are peculiar to the verte- 

 brates, and may be defined as bodies primarily, if not 

 permanently, distinct from the skeleton, consisting 



