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all teeth the moment they were discovered to be in the
slightest degree loose
; and " the blue wash" above described
became the standing remedy."
In reviewing this paper of Dr. Coates, there are two points
its pa-
upon which I wish to dwell for one moment, to wit :
thology and treatment.
First, its Pathology.
I do not wish to discuss the pathology
advanced by Dr. Coates, but pass
at once to what I con-
ceive its true pathology.
It commences a simple inflamma-
tion of the gums spreading in some cases to the neighboring
parts, which, under some circumstances, and in some consti-
tutions terminates in gangrene.
This position I think will
be readily granted when we consider for one moment its pre-
disposing and exciting causes as directly and indirectly con-
ceded by all those who have treated of this disease.

Predisposing Causes.

First, The disease in its malignant form attacks thtfse chil-
dren only who are of exceedingly
debilitated habits, in
whom the vital energies
are greatly impaired—living under
the influence of impure and unwholesome air which depres-
ses the vital powers of all persons, but more especially of
children—their light diet, impure water, and, most of
all,
the frequent attacks of febrile diseases, and suffering the
operation of considerable medicine, all contribute to reduce
the constitutions of these little sufferers to a state of organic
weakness, as hardly to be able to resist the slightest injurious
impression. In proof of this, I will mention a case I lately
saw in the children's Asylum, of cancrum
oris which ter-
minated fatally. The mother of this child was a common
drunkard. The child had never known good living or good
treatment, and immediately after being admitted into the Asy-