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the fang of every loose tooth, was always found deprived of
its periosteum.
In the two cases excepted, we have seen it apparently be-
gin in the mucous membrane of the fauces ; and indeed the
manner in which it generally spreads from the gums to the
cheek and lips, seems to me unquestionably to indicate a
greater liability than common, to gangrene in more than one
part of the mouth.
The soreness and pain of the socket, which forms a part
of most tooth-aches, might have been reasonably expected
here ; but neither was ever complained of, even when the
teeth were loosening ; and, as no fever existed at this time,
the original irritation can hardly be considered as inflamma-
tory ; excepting perhaps the cases which exhibited redness,
and slight swelling of gums.
Prevention*.—Our precautionary measures should be di-
rected to the predisposed or commencing state already de-
scribed
; to the prevention and cure of fevers, to the re-
moval of " febricula," and other internal disorders, and to the
general restoration of strength. Finally, its commencing
state should be watched, and promptly met, and success I
believe will always attend our endeavours.
The remedy which beyond
f all comparison succeeded
best, was sulphate of copper. The usefulness of this sub-
stance, though known at Salem, New Jersey, was discover-
ed at the asylum, the mistake of a nurse. It had been pre-
viously used, in lotions of the strength of 1 1 grs. or 111 to
the ounce of water, and with little advantage.
Observing that the empirical remedies said to have suc-
ceeded, were as I considered them, immoderately strong, I

* North American Med. and Surg. Journal, Vol. II. page 18.
t North American Med. and Surg. Journal, Vol. II. pages 20, 21.
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