106 PERMANENT TEETH. 



than the incisors. Their edges are not broad, as those of the 

 incisors, but pointed ; this point is much worn away in the pro- 

 gress of life. 



The enamel covers more of the lateral part of these teeth 

 than of the incisors. 



The bicuspides are next to the cuspidati, two on each side. 

 They resemble each other strongly ; but the first is smaller than 

 the other, although it generally* has a longer root. The bodies 

 are flattened laterally, but incline to a roundish form. On the 

 middle of the grinding surface are depressions which make the 

 edges prominent. On the external edge there is generally one 

 distinct point in each of the bicuspides. The internal edge is 

 lower than the external in the first bicuspis, which gives it a 

 resemblance to the cuspidatus. In the second bicuspis, the 

 internal edge is more elevated, although the point is not so 

 distinct as it is on the external edge. 



The bicuspides have generally but one root, which is often 

 indented lengthwise, so as to resemble two roots united. 



The three molares or large grinders are placed behind the 

 bicuspides, on each side. The first and second strongly resem- 

 ble each other, but the third has several peculiarities. The 

 body of the large grinders is rather square ; the grinding surface 

 has often five points, and three of these are on the external side. 

 In the upper jaw these teeth have three roots, two situated 

 externally, and one internally, which is very oblique in its 

 direction ; they are all conical in their form. It seems probable 

 that the roots of these teeth are arranged in this way to avoid 

 the antrum maxillare. The molares of the lower jaw have but 

 two roots, which are flat, and are placed one anterior and the 

 other posterior ; in each of these broad roots there are two 

 canals, leading to the central cavity ; whereas, in each root of 

 the upper molares there is but one. The third grinder is called 

 dens sapientia^ from its late appearance. It is shorter and 

 smaller than the others ; its body is rather rounder, and its roots 

 are not so regular and distinct ; for they are sometimes com- 

 pressed together, and sometimes there appears to have been 

 but one root originally, when the whole tooth has a conical 



