PREFACE 



sidelights it throws upon human odontography, as to 

 both tooth forms and functions, as well as for the scien- 

 tific study of the evolution and philosophy of tooth 

 forms. The time was when it was necessary to apolo- 

 gize for the intrusion of Comparative Dental Anatomy 

 into the curriculum of dental education; but it is a 

 matter of congratulation that the value of this branch 

 as an element in our professional education is now gen- 

 erally recognized. The study of the forms and func- 

 tions of the teeth of other animals than man, as a means 

 of conveying a better understanding of the forms and 

 functional purposes of the human teeth, is now fully 

 appreciated. It is also recognized that this study fur- 

 nishes the only scientific elucidation of the origin and 

 principles of these forms and functions, which had here- 

 tofore been taught by the study of the human teeth alone. 



In regard to the general scheme of the book, it must 

 be stated that some liberties have been taken with the 

 usual zoological classifications in order to have an ar- 

 rangement in a scheme that would be harmonious with 

 the progressive advance of the perfecting of tooth forms, 

 for convenience of description. It is to be hoped that 

 this breach will be overlooked, as well as the zoological 

 errors that may have crept into the pages, but which 

 will probably not affect the value of the lessons to be 

 drawn from the main principles. 



While this book will furnish the various facts and 

 principles of Comparative Dental Anatomy, it will be 

 necessary for the teacher to enlarge upon and elaborate 

 the subject by the use of the general works of the an- 

 atomists and zoologists. It will also be necessary to illus- 

 trate the lessons by the use of accessories such as skulls, 

 charts, sketches, and especially the lantern, which is the 

 best of all for illustration in the class-room. 



