I 
American Veterinary Review. 
DECEMBER, 1896. 
EDITORIAL, 
VETERINARY DENTISTRY. 
It is, we believe, a fact that this speciality of veterinary 
surgery is of American origin, and it is generally admitted 
that those of our confraternity who have given their attention 
specially to it have obtained a manual dexterity that is not 
always found in the ordinary general practitioner. It is by 
many considered merely as a matter of confidence in one’s self 
—a confidence which will permit one to dispense with the so- 
often injurious mouth speculum, and then not only see, but 
almost do better, by adding to sight the delicate sense of feeling. 
It is certain that the manner in which our dentists and many 
of our graduate inspect the mouth, feel the irregularity and 
sharpness of the teeth, the condition of the rubbing surfaces, the 
state of health or disease, and with such an exhibition of con¬ 
fidence, of no fear to have one’s hand crushed or even cut, would 
make many of the European veterinarians hesitate to use the 
same means. 
American veterinary dentistry, though young, having been 
started but a few years ago by Dr. House, who by it made for 
himself quite a deserved reputation, has been the cause of much 
mischief and harm and injury. But still it has done much good 
and been of great advantage in many instances, among which 
we believe that recorded to us by Prof. Ryder, of New York, 
stands probably at the head. < , 
Some five years ago the doctor was asked if he could not 
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