264 AMALGAMS FOR STOPPING TEETH. 
succeeded to the extent of his anticipation, yet he merits 
our thanks for his undisguised and honorable communica- 
tions on the subject— perhaps as much for his retractation 
under his sanction, as for its introduction. It certainly pro- 
mised, in the outset, to be a great boon, principally from 
its great facility of application and endurance of color. Its 
title to this latter property, however, is questionable in 
many cases, and, in some patients of delicate health, it is sub- 
ject to the same objection as any other of the amalgams. 
A more perfect compound is, however now being tested, 
introduced by Mr. Robertson, of Birmingham; and no 
doubt that gentleman will not allow the liberality of our 
American brother to surpass his ; but Time, the great test 
of all things, is necessary for its rejection or adoption. 
All the compounds which contain copper quickly become 
discolored; the amalgam is more compact, but its black 
color in front is most objectionable. Even gold having a 
trace of copper in the compound, soon becomes black. 
I was favored with a communication, a few months ago, 
by a gentleman who has for some time employed an amal- 
gam of palladium, and it certainly carried evidence of a 
beautiful preparation, as compact and of finer texture than 
the amalgam I use ; but I fancied it was slightly more dis- 
colored than mine. 
I will now give the instructions necessary for preparing 
the amalgam I have so long used. The convenience of the 
parties making it may, however, alter this mode, without 
injury to its efficacy : but as most dentists have a solution 
of nitrate of silver at hand, resulting from their work-room, 
they may employ it without any loss. 
Chloride of silver is prepared by precipitation from the 
nitrate by adding common salt. A pasty deposit immedi- 
ately takes place ; and, when all the silver is thrown down 
(which is known by the addition of a few drops of hydro- 
chloric acid not rendering the fluid turbid,) it should be 
washed and drained, so as to leave a pasty mass. Into this 
