Page 9 - My FlipBook

PREFACE.*

In presenting the following "System of Dental Surgery ," to the American
Medical Public, the Author feels himself called upon to apologize for so bold
an undertaking, before his temples were frosted by experienced years, or his
dicta had become " law" in his profession. Conscious of the great want of a
good work upon this subject, and anxious to fill in some degree a hiatus in
English Medical Literature ; the production was undertaken, not so much
that itself would affect all these objects, but that by uniting a part of what is
now known upon it, the defects might attract the notice of some more intelli-
gent eye, and arouse a spirit that would approximate the science to some
degree of perfection. Pursuing this object, the author has, in nearly all case?,
adopted the language and opinions of those writers upon the different parts of
this science and art, which are in accordance with Ids own : he has done this,
that the authorities might be known, and his own responsibility diminished :
for why should he tempt the bow of Ulysses alone ? If, at any time, he has
differed from the opinions of others, he has done it without giving definite
reasons, which are still left to the judgment of the reader.
Perhaps it may not be amiss in this place to mention a few of the names
whos^ opinions have been noticed, and from Avhosc writings, to a considerable
extent, materials for this work have been drawn.
Of the French. Martin, Fauchard, Bourdet, Jourdain, Duval, La Forgue,
Dellabarre, Le Maire, Baumes, Audibran, Rousseau, &c. &c. &c.
Latin. Baglivi, Bartholinus, and others.
Of the English. Hunter, Blake, Fox, Murphy, Parmly, Koecker, Darwin'
Rush, Chapman, Horner, Coates, &c. &c. &c.
The French translations the reader will indulge ; as the limited time the
author could devote to the subject, prevented any other than a plain and literal
version without attempting ornament of diction.
He takes this opportunity to present his most cordial and sincere thanks
to the many gentlemen who have most generously co-operated in promoting
this publication ; of whom he will only mention Drs. Chapman and Jackson,
distinguished Medical Professors, in the University of Pennsylvania ; who, by
their patronage, have imposed upon him a lasting obligation. Mr. Eleazar