Note (17) — CANTO SECOND.
Reading edition
“The teeth, which are the only hardened parts of the animal frame exposed to the influence of air, to the influence of invasive fluids, or called upon to exercise any sort of mechanical power without the intervention of membranous or other protection, and without the aid of lubricating fluid proper to themselves, or being placed beyond the mutilating influence of chemical agents, are of a more dense, refined, and minute crystalline texture externally, than any other of its objects; but this natural advantage of texture has become progressively lessened with the advancement of civilization.” (Hare on the Stomach, p. 51.)
To the foregoing remarks of my distinguished friend, I will add, that the teeth are the hardest and most compact parts of the human frame, as is evident from their being found after interment in a perfect condition, after all the other bones have mouldered away.—Hence we may reasonably conclude, that, from their formation, they are little liable to decay; and that the inattention of the individual, and the action of extraneous matter upon them, are the chief causes of those diseases with which they are oftentimes affected.
Though to a superficial observer the teeth may appear to be a part of the body which is little deserving of regard, yet, those who consider the many functions which the teeth have to perform, must allow that their claims on our attention are as many and as strong as those of any other part of the human frame. Those means should be studied, therefore, which tend to preserve them in their original perfection; and every argument used, to impress upon the attention of society at large the importance of resorting to those means, whenever circumstances may require their aid.