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12 daily purifying the teeth and gums, the neglecl of which is often produtlive of fatal, irreparable confequences. The diforders of the teeth, it is admitted, fometimes arife from internal caufes ; fuch as fcurvey, fcrophula, fa/liionable difeafe, or whatever produces a cachexy of the humours ; all diforders in the gums injure and affect the teeth, and generally occasion tedious, pain ful fufferings. The external fhocks given to the teeth, are the extremes of heat and cold ; exhalations from the ftomach that form a noxious flimy fubftance upon the teeth and gums ; particles of food that are fuffered to collect and remain upon, and between the teeth ; cauflics, and hot ftimulating applications to eafe pain ; foot, vitriols, aqua fortis, mineral acids, introduced in tooth powders, and otherwifej the exceffive ufe of fugar; the pernicious, dangerous practice of carrying pins in the mouth, and ufing them as a tooth pick ; various hard and gritty fubftances, improperly made ufe of to cleanfe the teeth; and above all mercury is the great deftroyer of the human teeth. From hence it will be feen how important it is to avoid the deftruc- tive effecls of fuch fubftances ; and that every indivi dual fhould acquire the habit of cleanfing the teeth daily with a tooth brufh and pure water. It is an ef tablifhed principle from time immemorial, amongft the ancients, as well as moderns, that clear.linefs con tributes to health. If this theory is admitted (which it perfon will deny) it inconteftibly proves is prefumed no that its application to the teeth and gums as conftituent parts of the body, is as neceffary, as to the face, hands, feet, or trunk. Of the Caries, or Decay of the Teeth. It fometimes happens that the teeth fcarcely make their appearance before they are attacked with a caries or decay ; confequently require the affiftance of art. From the extreme hardnefs of the external parts of the teeth, it might be immagined they were lei's fufcep-