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Mr. Hertz says:* "Though from their very condensed
.structure it is impossible to demonstrate the vascularity of
teeth in a great degree, yet the circumstances which attend
their diseased state clearly show their possession of circula-
tion, sensibility, and absorption, the same as prevails in the
soft parts.
Mr. Audibran gives an opinion affirmatively of this ques-
tion, and uses as strong language as any writer I have seen.
In reference to it, he says " The circulation of the blood
:f
takes place in the interior of our teeth as in other parts of
the body, by means of ramifications which penetrate all their
bony structure, inasmuch if a tooth is broken, the blood may
be seen oozing from the middle of the bone."
Mr. Koecker strenuously contends for the affirmative of
these opinions, and speaking of the internal membrane of the
teeth, observes : J " This membrane consists of a nerve, an
artery, a vein, and, most probably, of some absorbent ves-
sels. This nerve seems to be particularly intended for an
internal protection to the tooth against general morbid influ-
ences, and for this reason it appears to be possessed of the
most exquisite sensibility.
By means of these nervous branches, the teeth are con-
nected immediately with the fifth pair of nerves, and through
it with the whole nervous system.
The lining membrane of the teeth distributes its arterial
fibres throughout the whole of their bony structure, and thus
becomes the immediate means of nutriment to them, as the
nerves are of sensibility.
The health and vitality of the teeth depend almost alto-

* Hertz, on the Structure and Diseases of the Teeth, page 3.
t Audibran, pajfe 80
% Koecker, Principles of Deutal Surgery, page 39.