Page 448 - My FlipBook

444

and satisfactory answer to these questions, they could bestow
their honourable reward.
It appears at this time, that the attention of the learned
French societies was directed somewhat to this subject, and
as correct answers to the questions proposed by the society
of medicine had not been given, so as to affirm them, M.
Fonzi again presented to the Atheneum of Arts a specimen
of his incorruptible teeth, in order to obtain their approba-
tion. At the same time M. Dubois Foucou submitted to the
same society a pamphlet, in which he indicated the means of
making the composition teeth. Commissioners were named
by the society to examine and report upon these teeth, with
the manner of their fabrication, as detailed by M. Dubois
Foucou. M. Fonzi, and M. Dubois Foucou were at this time
unquestionably at the head of those who practised this part
of the profession. But the approbation of the society in fa-
vour of these teeth could not be obtained. The commission
appointed to examine them reported unfavourably of their
merits, and declared in their report, that they were defective
in those properties which rendered artificial teeth useful,
agreeable, and satisfactory to the patient ; and in fine, that
they did not sufficiently imitate nature.* Afterwards in the
year 1821, Mr. Audibran presented to the same society some
specimens of these teeth, with a volume detailing the mode
of fabrication. They were examined by the society, and
received their approbation. I have given this hasty sketch
of the history of these teeth in order to give the reader a
knowledge of them, and likewise to inform him, that they
have had their vicissitudes in public favour.
I now wish to present a fair and impartial statement of
their good and bad properties. The following are their ad-

* See Audibran, page 51. (1) note.