Note (1) — CANTO FIRST.

Hippocrates, a lineal descendant of Esculapius, the first accurate observer, and the first eminent physician of which we have any definite account, flourished in Greece, about four hundred and sixty years before the Christian era. He describes in various parts of his works, as well the functions and period of appearance of the several teeth, as their principal diseases, and the plan of treating them, both by manual operations and by dentrifices.

At the commencement of the Christian era, we find in the writings of Celsus, a celebrated physician of Rome, very explicit instructions on the subject of several important operations on the teeth; and during the recent excavation at Pompeii and Herculaneum, several dental implements have been discovered, much resembling some of those in use at the present day.

Celsus treats of scarifying the gums, of extracting, scraping, and even of stopping teeth; and fixing loosened teeth with gold wire;—indeed, this last practice is alluded to in the twelve tables of the Roman laws.

The Latin poet, Martial, makes habitual allusion to artificial teeth, as worn by the ladies of Rome in his time.

The celebrated Arabian surgeon, Albucasis, in the tenth century, enters very extensively into descriptions of dental operations, and gives drawings of a great number of instruments, used in his time for extracting, scraping, loosening, and even of filing the teeth, a practice which had been introduced more recently than any of the others.

It was not till the seventeenth century that we have authentic records of the exercise of the profession of dentistry distinctly from that of surgery. Gillies, and other practitioners in France, received the title of surgeon dentists as early as 1622.

In the year 1700, persons destined for the dental profession were compelled, in France, to submit themselves to a regular examination; and it is from this period that we must date, in modern times, the regular establishment of this art, as a distinct branch of surgical practice.

Among those who distinguished themselves as dentists during the last century, were Berdmore, Fauchard, Gerauldy, Larini, Bunon, Mouton, Leclure, Bourdet, Aitkin, De Chemant, Ray, Moore, and Talma; and it is to the undivided attention of such men as these, that we must attribute the vast additions made during that period, to our knowledge of the structure and diseases of the teeth.

Of the authors who have written on the subject during the present century, it will be sufficient to mention here, Blake, Fox, Duval, Le Forgue, De la Barre, Beaume, Maury, Bell, Koecker, Fitch, and Hare.

There are many others whose experience would enable them to produce works highly useful to the world, and particularly to young practitioners.

Mr. Cartwright, of London, with whom I have the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, is known to be the most celebrated dentist now in Europe, but has not as yet made public his views, in relation to his practice. It is most earnestly to be hoped that he will shortly publish his opinions.

Mr. John Waite, who, for many years, not only had the most extensive practice, but was the best practitioner in London, died without leaving any thing behind him in the way of writing.

We have cause also to regret that the late Dr. Hudson, of Philadelphia, did not, during his life time, embody his professional principles for the benefit of his contemporaries, and those who shall succeed him in dental operations. I may say, without fear of contradiction, that he has left behind him no one in this country so able to instruct, and so well qualified, from observation and experience, to be useful to the student. I am well pleased to learn that he left a large collection of notes and memoranda on his practice, and critical remarks on the writings and practice of other dentists, all of which have fallen into the hands of Doctor Trenor, of this city, to whom the profession is already indebted for several very valuable papers on subjects connected with his profession. With so valuable help as the papers of Doctor Hudson, so able and zealous a compiler as Doctor Trenor may well encourage the profession to expect a work of great value to all who wish to become thoroughly acquainted with the theory and practice of dental surgery. I cannot forbear making an extract from an article published in one of the Philadelphia papers, from the pen of my highly esteemed friend, Doctor Fitch, author of the most comprehensive work on the teeth ever published in this country. The extract which follows, is a just tribute of respect to the memory of departed worth, and alike creditable to the feelings and liberality of the author; and I believe every dentist who had the slightest acquaintance with Dr. Hudson’s practice, will cheerfully admit the propriety of Doctor Fitch’s eulogium.

“Some abler pen—some nearer friend, may tell his merits as a parent, a husband, and a citizen. The writer of this will presume only to speak of him as a professional man. Those only who have carefully attended to the subject, can have any adequate idea of the benefit the labors of Doctor Hudson have conferred, not only upon the people of this city, but of every part of the United States.

“When he commenced his practice here, he found the profession, generally, at a very low ebb, usually exercised by mechanics. Those great principles which elevate dental surgery from an art to a science, were almost entirely overlooked or unknown. To remove this mass of rubbish—to obliterate bitter and widely extended prejudices, was the task of Doctor Hudson. How well he performed this duty can only be estimated by a reference to the state of the profession at the time he commenced his practice, and when he was taken from it by the hand of death.

“Previously to his time, nearly all the talent among the dentists of this country was directed to the making and insertion of artificial teeth. Doctor Hudson taught the possibility and the immense advantage of preserving the living teeth, instead of suffering their loss, and resorting to artificial ones. He taught that, by strictly attending to the dentition of children, all the irregularities and deformity of the teeth might be prevented; and that by continuing our attentions, and performing timely operations upon any of those which might become defective, these useful organs may be preserved in perfection during our whole lives.

“Founded upon these principles, and recommended by his admirable operations, the practice of Doctor Hudson soon became the praise and admiration of all who witnessed or experienced its beneficial effects. His name was soon placed as first amongst all those who practised dentistry in this country. This reputation he always retained.

“In another way his superior system of practice has conferred an amount of benefit which can never be fully appreciated. It is, that his excellent and highly finished operations have long been models of imitation to other dentists. For a great many years, to equal his operations has been the highest ambition of other practitioners; none expected to excel them.

“The gentlemanly deportment of Doctor Hudson to his patients and patrons, his urbanity, his mildness, pointed him out as a model to all surgeon dentists.

“Finally: he ever sustained the dignity and respectability of the profession, inspired confidence in its capabilities, and demonstrated its claims to a high standing among those professions which contribute to the well being and happiness of the human family.”

I have lately been informed that Doctor Flagg, of Boston, a gentleman well known for his professional ability, is now preparing a work of considerable extent, designed for the student and profession at large. Mr. Arnold, also, of this city, a well educated dentist, is translating a popular French work.