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cheek, effected a perfect cure of the disease in a short time.
A considerable depression and scar, however, remained in
consequence of the long neglect of proper treatment.

THE EFFECTS OF MERCURY UPON THE TEETH, &C*

When mercury has been introduced into the system, cer-
tain circumstances occur which are usually regarded as crite-
ria of its specific and constitutional action. The most evident
of these are, an increased discharge from the salivary giands,
soreness of the mouth, and fetor of the breath. The gums
become tumid and spongy, are very tender, and liable to
bleed ; the teeth also become loose, and cannot bear the
pressure necessary for the mastication of hard substances
this loosened state of the teeth arises from the thickening of
the periosteum which covers the fangs, and by which the
teeth are held in the sockets ; the soreness of the gums is
probably occasioned by that fulness of the vessels which the
peculiar action of the mercury induces. These affections
of the teeth and gums generally subside soon after the use of
mercury is discontinued ; the teeth again become fast, and
the gums acquire their natural firmness.
A common consequence of the use of mercury is, an in-
creased action of the absorbent vessels ; and there is no
part on which this action is more evident than the alveolar
processes. On examining these parts in persons who have
died during the use of mercury, they will be found much less
dense, and of a more porous texture than the bone ought to
be in its sound and natural state. The use of mercury is

* Fox, Natural History of the Teeth, pages 115 to 120.