ANIMAL DENTISTRY. I47 



The mouth speculum is used only for operation in the 

 recumbent position, and especially when an animal is under 

 the influence of an anaesthetic. In the standing posture it 

 is useful only to the plebe and novice. It obstructs the free 

 use of large instruments in the standing position, and is 

 unnecessary for the minor operations. 



THE TOOTH CHISEL. 



The tooth chisel is a recent invention, the artifice of an 

 Iowa veterinarian. It consists of a strong band of iron 

 shaped as a horseshoe. At one heel is a chisel inserted as a 

 lag screw, while on the other heel is a head to receive the 

 blows of the hammer. The chisel end is passed into the 

 mouth while the other heel is kept outside. Its object is to 

 break or loosen teeth that cannot be grasped with forceps. 

 It is undoubtedly an instrument of some value, especially in 

 the extraction of broken fangs, as it can be equipped with 

 chisels of different dimensions and shapes to meet each re- 

 quirement. 



OTHER INSTRUMENTS. 



The above is a description of the more essential instru- 

 ments of a dental outfit for a veterinary practitioner. It is, 

 however, undeniable that many others might be added to 

 the advantage of the dental branch of veterinary surgery. 

 There is room for the addition of many instruments of vari- 

 ous shapes, styles and patterns suitable for special purposes. 

 For example, extractors for the superior arcades should be 

 wider than those for the inferior; those for the right side 

 might be curved toward the left, and those for the left side 

 toward the right, so as to bring the instrument out of the 

 mouth at the median line; those for the last molars might be 

 longer and have smaller heads and shorter jaws, to pass 

 more freely between the teeth ; and finally all cutters, separa- 

 tors and extractors might be made specially for superior, 



