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gums from the necks of the teeth. I am at this time ac-
quainted with a gentleman, who by a continued excessive and
imprudent use of improper dentrifices and hard brushes, has
removed the gums from the necks of nearly all his molar,
bicuspid, and canine teeth, which has induced superficial ca-
ries in almost every one of these teeth.
I conclude these remarks with the observations of Dr.
Blake on this subject, who says,* " From the foregoing ob-
servations it is perfecly evident, that the most simple and
best prepared tooth-powder, frequently applied to the teeth,
must be injurious, as they all tend to wear the cortex stria-
tus. Even at present, many people are not content with
tooth-powder alone, but form it into a paste, with syrup or
honey, by which its action is much increased. Such prepa-
rations clean the teeth sooner than the others ; they also much
sooner wear off the cortex striatus, and destroy its beautiful
polish, which never after can be regained.
We have already, in speaking of acids, remarked the bad
effects of the cream of tartar, separately or alone, used as a
dentifrice.
Charcoal pulverized, has, from its antisceptic properties,
&c. been used as a dentifrice, and could we be always sure
of suitable charcoal, and reduced to the tenuity of fine flour,
it would no doubt be an excellent dentifrice. The Areca nut,
when charred and ground, is said to afford a fine alkialescent
and soft carbonaceous powder, possessing highly valuable
properties, and as, without doubt, substances equally as good
as this may be obtained for a carbonaceous dentifrice, I
will give the reader an account of it from the observations of
Dr. Reece and James Lynd, M. D.f Dr. Reece says, " It pre-

* Blake, History of the Teeth, Sic. page 157.
} See Hertz, pages 47 to 50.