342 OPEBATIONS ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



Fig. 345a.— Hamlin's Molar Cutter. 



the sponge. But •when none of these modes of operation can be 

 readily applied, the use of the toot?v-chisel becomes the order. 

 Its appHcation is simple, and with a weU-made instrument ia the 

 hands of an expert operator, quick and strong, the resection can 

 be readily performed. 



The array of tooth-chisels or resectors is beyond compute ia 

 variety and number, and especially in this country where the in- 

 stinct of mechanical invention is so universal, and the specialty of 

 veterinary dentistry is so extensively practiced, and many different 

 Idnds can be inspected among the samples of workmanship which 

 decorate the show-cases of our instrument makers. Among the 

 principal forms, we may, however, mention those which recall the 

 names of Lafosse, MoUer, Scheffers, Gowing in Europe, and of 

 Clarke, House, Liautard and Harnhn in this country (Pigs. 345, 

 345a). Some of these instruments have their jaws closed, others 

 have them open. Some work by a peculiar thread-screw arrange- 

 ment, others by the manual power of the operators ; and again, 

 the blades of some are straight and others curved, and stiU others 

 are sharp Uke a concave saw. In then* application they all work 

 upon about the same principle, and are used in the same man- 

 ner. The mouth being opened, the tooth is seized between the 

 jaws of the forceps, and by the pressure of the screw with 

 which some of them are armed, or by the unaided strength of the 

 operator, the tooth is squeezed and cut off with a sudden snap, 

 followed by the dropping out of the mouth of the amputated 

 portion. As a rule, the surface left on the tooth shows but a 

 slight roughness, which can be smoothed off with the rasp. 



