EXTRACTION OF THREE MOLAR TEETH. 279 
On measuring the length of the upper surfaces of the teeth, I found 
it to be only seven inches, while the distance extending over their 
roots was nearly ten inches. The first tooth (on putting the jaw 
to rest on the table) was upright; but from this to the posterior 
one their roots protruded backwards and upwards, forming a simi- 
lar curve to what the broad part of the jaw does. 
Soon afterwards I laid bare, in a similar way, the jaw of an old 
horse, perhaps sixteen or eighteen years. In this specimen I 
found the whole of their masticating surfaces very level, and in 
length measured six and a half inches. Their lower surfaces, ex- 
tending over the fangs, was upwards of seven inches. The length 
of the longest of the teeth did not exceed one inch and three 
quarters, and some of the others not above one inch and a quarter. 
The crown of the teeth measured from half an inch to three quar- 
ters of an inch, below which the remainder of the teeth divided 
each into two fangs, and which, in the posterior teeth especially, 
had the peculiar curve backwards (upwards), as in the other in- 
stance, but not by far to so great an extent, on account of the 
fangs being more absorbed, and being very short. 
From the examination of these specimens, I am led to believe 
that this instrument will be found to be very useful in extracting 
some of the posterior molars, provided they project sufficiently 
above the alveolar processes, on account of the ease with which it 
may be put on and the small space it occupies. I think it prefer- 
able to be used in extracting the posterior molars than the anterior 
ones, on account of the peculiar slanting position of their roots. The 
anterior ones, which are more upright, can be removed by other 
means. I should think the saw may be used in levelling them, no 
matter where situated. 
I must say that I was fearful of the consequences of the mare 
swallowing the tooth ; but I made every inquiry whether any 
symptom of intestinal disease ever shewed itself on her, and was 
informed it never had during the three months she was in this 
neighbourhood after the operation 
In the ninth vol. of the The VETERINARIAN is a solitary case, 
by Professor Renault, of a horse dying, as it was supposed, from 
swallowing a molar tooth, but I think it is rather doubtful that 
he died in consequence of it. 
Messrs. Bouley and Ferguson have advised, in cases where the 
tooth has been swallowed, to administer a drastic purgative, and 
afterwards to give laxatives; but I am inclined to believe that 
such treatment would be highly injurious, on account of causing 
the faeces to become too liquid, whereby the fangs would the more 
easily come in contact with the intestines. I think the best plan 
would be to leave it to nature, or at least only give laxatives, by 
which means it would pass off with and be impacted in the faeces. 
