Page 31 - My FlipBook

INTRODUCTION XI.
There are many men of science and eminence engaged
in this profession, in our country, and others are entering it
with ardor, and though they may not have the effect to
" leaven the whole lump," yet they will sustain a redeeming
principle, inasmuch as they will triumphantly exhibit the
effects of good and sound practice, in contradistinction to
that which is worthless ; while the good sense of com-
munity will affix the seal of merited approbation.
In conclusion, with the most conscientious integrity of
purpose, we most respectfully present our little work to the
notice of a generous public, and leave it to its candor and
liberality to decide on its merits.
Should our humble efforts prove to be of any adequate
utility, we will hereafter foster our little volume, by crop-
ping it of redundancies and by adding such farther facts as
experience and reseai'ch may develope, in the hope that it
may become the standard guide to sound teeth.
In treating our subject we shall be as brief as is consis-
tent with our object ; and if we sometimes prove tedious we
beg the indulgence of the reader, In order to take .off the
tedium of a dull subject, occasionally, interesting matter re*
lative to the subject will be introduced in the form of notes.
As we wish no one to take our ipse dixit for gospel, we
shall use our best endeavors to establish all that we advance
on incontestible ground, by argument, fact and quotation,
And as all our readers may not be acquainted with the
respectability of our authorities, to give them their legiti-
mate influence, we give a list of their names and standing
•
in their professions.
The work is so arranged that the reader may find the
information that he may desire under its appropriate head.